Intensified land surface control on boundary layer growth in a changing climate

Data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 for historical and future climate scenarios are examined for changes in the energy cycle component of land surface feedback on the atmosphere, namely, through the linkages from soil moisture to sensible heat flux to the height of the lifting condensation level marking the cloud base. Climate models project heightened sensitivity in both of these segments of the feedback pathway over most of the globe. This is in agreement with studies showing similar increases in land-atmosphere feedback through the water cycle, despite different physical processes, and may contribute to prevalent droughts and floods found in most climate change forecasts. Key Points Land-atmosphere feedback goes from soil moisture to sensible heat to PBL growth This feedback pathway is likely to strengthen in a warming climate Sensitivity to land use change and climate extremes may amplify in the future