Anthropogenic Influence on the Diurnal Temperature Range since 1901

Abstract The diurnal temperature range (DTR) as measured by the difference between daily maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures is of great importance to human health, ecology, agriculture. link its long-term change anthropogenic forcing still unclear. This study shows evidence influence on changes in DTR over globe, five continents, China during past century (1901–2014). Using multiple observational datasets, we find a general decrease most global land since 1901, especially after mid-1950s. Changes are due different warming rates Tmax Tmin response external forcings. climate models that participated phase 6 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase (CMIP6) generally reproduce DTR, along with those Tmin. have underestimated observed however. A formal detection attribution analysis signal, including both greenhouse gas aerosol emissions but dominated emissions, main driver for these changes. signal can be detected not period 1901–2014 globe continents. These indicate simple emission. natural negligible almost all cases. Globally, estimated explain more than 90% three variables. In China, also clearly detected, although model simulated results regional scale larger deviation. Significance Statement many areas. We compare datasets simulations latest (phase 6) (CMIP6), finding (1901–2014) robust early 1950s. seen dataset caused forcing, gases aerosols.