Assessment of aerosol effective radiative forcing and surface air temperature response over eastern China in CMIP5 models

Abstract

The effective radiative forcing (ERF) and associated surface air temperature change over eastern China are estimated using multi-model results from CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5). The model results show that, relative to 1850, the multi-model and annual mean aerosol ERF for the year 2005 is −4.14 W m−2 at the top of the atmosphere over eastern China (20°–45°N, 105°–122.5°E). As a result of this ERF, the multi-model and annual mean surface air temperature change in eastern China during 1850–2005 is −1.05 °C, leading to a climate sensitivity of 0.24 °C/(W m−2) in this region.