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Stationary wave and surface radiative effects weaken and delay the near-surface response to stratospheric ozone depletion
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  • Chaim I Garfinkel,
  • Ian White,
  • Edwin P Gerber,
  • Seok-Woo Son,
  • Martin Jucker
Chaim I Garfinkel
Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ian White
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Edwin P Gerber
New York University
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Seok-Woo Son
Seoul National University
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Martin Jucker
University of New South Wales
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Abstract

An intermediate complexity moist General Circulation Model is used to investigate the factor(s) controlling the magnitude of the surface impact from Southern Hemisphere springtime ozone depletion. In contrast to previous idealized studies, a model with full radiation is used, which allows focus on the full range of feedbacks between incoming ultraviolet radiation and temperature variations. In addition, the model can be run with a varied representation of the surface, from a zonally uniform aquaplanet to a highly realistic configuration. The model captures the positive Southern Annular Mode response to ozone depletion evident in observations and comprehensive models in December through February. It is shown that while synoptic waves dominate the long-term poleward jet shift, the initial response includes changes in planetary waves which simultaneously moderate the polar cap cooling (i.e., a negative feedback), but also constitute nearly half of the initial momentum flux response that shifts the jet polewards. Enhanced ultraviolet absorption at the surface due to the ozone hole drives an additional negative feedback on the poleward jet shift. The net effect is that stationary waves and surface radiative effects weaken the circulation response to ozone depletion, and also delay the response until summer rather than spring when ozone depletion peaks.