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Disproportionate impact of atmospheric heat events on lake surface water temperature increases

Author

Listed:
  • Xiwen Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Nanjing University)

  • Kun Shi

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Boqiang Qin

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Nanjing University)

  • Yunlin Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • R. Iestyn Woolway

    (Bangor University)

Abstract

Hot temperature extremes (HTEs) in the atmosphere can also affect lake surface water temperature, but how this impact changes with global warming is not well understood. Here we use numerical modelling and satellite observations to quantify the contribution of HTEs to variations in summer lake surface water temperature and lake heatwaves in 1,260 water bodies worldwide between 1979 and 2022. Over this time period, HTE duration and cumulative intensity over the studied lakes increased significantly, at average rates of 1.4 days per decade and 0.92 °C days per decade, respectively. Despite only accounting for 7% of the total summer days, HTEs are responsible for 24% of lake surface summer warming trends, with the most pronounced effect observed in Europe at 27%. Moreover, HTEs are key drivers of both the duration and cumulative intensity of lake heatwaves. Our findings underscore the pivotal role played by short-term climatic extreme events in shaping long-term lake surface water temperature dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiwen Wang & Kun Shi & Boqiang Qin & Yunlin Zhang & R. Iestyn Woolway, 2024. "Disproportionate impact of atmospheric heat events on lake surface water temperature increases," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 14(11), pages 1172-1177, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:14:y:2024:i:11:d:10.1038_s41558-024-02122-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02122-y
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