Impact of Arctic Oscillation on cloud radiative forcing and September sea ice retreat

The Arctic Oscillation (AO) has important effects on the sea ice change in terms of the dynamic and thermodynamic processes. However, while the dynamic processes of AO have been widely explored, the thermodynamic processes of AO need to be further discussed. In this paper, we use the fifth state-of-the-art reanalysis at European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5) from 1979 to 2020 to investigate the relationship between AO and the surface springtime longwave (LW) cloud radiative forcing (CRF), summertime shortwave (SW) CRF in the Arctic region (65 degrees-90 degrees N). In addition, the contribution of CRF induced by AO to the sea ice change is also discussed. Results indicate that the positive (negative) anomalies of springtime LW CRF and summertime SW CRF are generally detected over the Arctic Ocean during the enhanced positive (negative) AO phase in spring and summer, respectively. Meanwhile, while the LW (SW) CRF generally has a positive correlation with AO index (AOI) in spring (summer) over the entire Arctic Ocean, this correlation is statistically significant over 70 degrees-85 degrees N and 120 degrees W-90 degrees E (i.e., region of interest (ROI)) in both seasons. Moreover, the response of CRF to the atmospheric conditions varies in spring and summer. We also find that the positive springtime (summertime) AOI tends to decrease (increase) the sea ice in September, and this phenomenon is especially prominent over the ROI. The sensitivity study among sea ice extent, CRF and AOI further reveals that decreases (increases) in September sea ice over the ROI are partly attributed to the springtime LW (summertime SW) CRF during the positive AOI. The present study provides a new pattern of AO affecting sea ice change via cloud radiative effects, which might benefit the sea ice forecast improvement.

Automated summary

This study investigates the relationship between Arctic Oscillation (AO) and cloud radiative forcing (CRF) in the Arctic region using ERA5 reanalysis data. The findings reveal that the positive (negative) AO phase is associated with positive (negative) anomalies in springtime LW CRF and summertime SW CRF over the Arctic Ocean. Additionally, the AO index (AOI) shows a positive correlation with CRF, particularly in specific regions, influencing sea ice change.