Trends in the differences between homogenized ground surface temperature and surface air temperature in China during 1961–2016 and its possible causes

Abstract Based on the latest series of homogenized ground surface temperature (GST) and air (SAT) data for China, this study performed a detailed analysis trend differences between two in 1961–2016. The differences, referred to as surface–air (SATDs) study, were separately averaged by month, season, year. long-term spatial changes trends SATDs investigated. Moreover, interdecadal breakpoints identified understand characteristics fluctuation. possible influences precipitation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), global warming also analyzed. results showed that during 12 months year, only three months, March, April, May, exhibited increasing station-averaged, monthly mean while other nine decreasing trends. In addition, station-averaged annual seasonal summer, autumn, winter all significant trends, spring trend. distribution pattern linear monthly, seasonal, meteorological stations indicated had more obviously northern regions than southern China. (except April) experienced breakpoints, fully indicative obvious fluctuations with temporal complexity among China’s SATD By regression STADs against simultaneous well comparative their we found both amount precipitation change type have important SATDs. convergent cross mapping revealed causal effect