Publications

Yu, L; Zhang, M; Wang, LC; Qin, WM; Jiang, DY; Li, JL (2022). Variability of surface solar radiation under clear skies over Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Role of aerosols and water vapor. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, 287, 119286.

Abstract
Surface solar radiation (SSR) plays a vital role in the global energy cycle and the interaction between the earth and atmosphere. It has a significant impact on climate change. Aerosols and water vapor are important factors affecting the variations in clear-sky SSR. This study analyzed the effects of aerosols and water vapor on clear-sky SSR in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), one of the most sensitive areas to global climate change, over the past 20 years. The results show that the 87.0% of the monthly clear-sky SSR over QTP can be explained by the monthly aerosols and water vapor. The aerosol direct radiative effect (ADRE) value in most QTP areas (93.35%) is lower than-10 W m- 2. The effect of water vapor on the monthly value of clear-sky SSR is greater than that of aerosols. The reduced clear-sky SSR (about 61.36% of QTP areas) in the past 20 years is mainly concentrated at the south-north boundary. The significant increases in sulfate and carbonaceous aerosols from India have contrib-uted to the decrease in clear-sky SSR in the South. Moreover, the increasing water vapor influx from the southern boundary is also an important reason for the reduction in clear-sky SSR in the South and North. The results also indicate that the decrease in dust aerosols, originating from the Taklamakan and Qaidam Deserts, results in the increase in clear-sky SSR in the Northeast.

DOI:
10.1016/j.atmosenv.2022.119286

ISSN:
1873-2844