The Spatio-Temporal Variability in the Radiative Forcing of Light-Absorbing Particles in Snow of 2003–2018 over the Northern Hemisphere from MODIS

Light-absorbing particles (LAPs) deposited on snow can significantly reduce surface albedo and contribute to positive radiative forcing. This study firstly estimated attributed the spatio-temporal variability in forcing (RF) of LAPs over northern hemisphere during snow-covered period 2003–2018 by employing Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, coupled with atmospheric transfer modelling. In general, RF for shows a large spatial whole areas periods, highest value (12.7 W m−2) northeastern China (NEC) lowest (1.9 Greenland (GRL). The concentration is dominant contributor spring (~73%) while joint contributions water equivalent (SWE) solar irradiance (SI) are most important (>50%) winter. average gradually increases from 2.1 m−2 December 4.1 May high-value area shifts northwards mid-altitude high-latitude same period, which primarily due seasonal SI (~58%). More interestingly, our data reveal significant decrease Eurasia (HEUA) −0.04 a−1 −0.14 2003 2018. By sensitivity test, we find concurrent decline accounted primary responsibility these two areas, further confirmed situ observations.