Land-Atmosphere Interactions

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosphere/Hydrosphere/Land–Atmosphere Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (17 February 2025) | Viewed by 8083

Special Issue Editors

Department of Geography, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
Interests: inter-annual variability of snowfall land–atmosphere interactions; droughts; soil moisture; climate variability; climate models
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Land–atmosphere interactions involve complex surface processes that exchange energy and matter between surfaces and the atmosphere, and they significantly contribute to weather forecasting and climate predictivity. Evapotranspiration is the key to the connection between surfaces and the atmosphere. Challenges still exist in understanding spatial and temporal variations in land–atmosphere interactions due to limited observations in evapotranspiration. Land surface conditions, including soil moisture, vegetation cover, and snow cover, could significantly affect atmospheric processes at local, regional, and global scales. Both temperature and precipitation variations are strongly influenced by the strength of land–atmosphere interactions.

We invite the submission of original research articles and reviews on any aspect of land–atmosphere interactions, including (but not limited to) soil moisture–atmosphere interactions, vegetation–atmosphere interactions, and so on, as well as their variations across space and time. We encourage studies that use modern technology, such as remote sensing datasets, to address such issues. Numerical studies that focus on the specific role of land surface features (soil, vegetation, and snow cover) in the climate system are especially welcome. We are also interested in studies using observational and reanalysis data to address spatial and temporal changes in land–atmosphere interactions.

Dr. Lei Meng
Dr. Yaqian He
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • land–atmosphere interactions
  • evapotranspiration
  • soil moisture
  • vegetation dynamics
  • snow cover
  • numerical simulations
  • remote sensing

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6843 KiB  
Article
Examining the Spatial and Temporal Variation of PM2.5 and Its Linkage with Meteorological Conditions in Dhaka, Bangladesh
by Mizanur Rahman and Lei Meng
Atmosphere 2024, 15(12), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15121426 - 27 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1362
Abstract
This study investigates the temporal and spatial variations in PM2.5 concentrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 2001 to 2023 and evaluates the impact of meteorological factors and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies on air pollution. Using satellite and ground-based data, this study analyzed [...] Read more.
This study investigates the temporal and spatial variations in PM2.5 concentrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 2001 to 2023 and evaluates the impact of meteorological factors and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies on air pollution. Using satellite and ground-based data, this study analyzed the seasonal trends, daily fluctuations, and the influence of COVID-19 lockdown measures on air quality. Our findings reveal a persistent increase in PM2.5 levels, particularly during winter, with concentrations frequently exceeding WHO guidelines. Our analysis suggests significant correlations between meteorological conditions and PM2.5 concentration, highlighting the significant role of meteorological conditions, such as rainfall, humidity, and temperature, in modulating PM2.5 levels. Our analysis found that PM2.5 levels exhibited a significant inverse correlation with relative humidity (r = −0.72), rainfall (r = −0.69), and temperatures (r = −0.79), highlighting the role of meteorological conditions in mitigating pollution levels. Additionally, the study underscores the temporary improvements in air quality during lockdown periods, demonstrating the potential benefits of sustained emission control measures. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive and multi-faceted air quality management strategies, including stringent vehicular and industrial emissions regulations, enhancement of urban green spaces, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the adverse health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Dhaka. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Atmosphere Interactions)
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12 pages, 6015 KiB  
Article
Local Evapotranspiration Is the Only Relevant Source of Moisture at the Onset of the Rainy Season in South America
by Verônica Versieux and Marcos Heil Costa
Atmosphere 2024, 15(8), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15080932 - 4 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1261
Abstract
The South American Monsoon System, which transports moisture from Amazonia to Central-West Brazil, is an important moisture source for the summer rainy season in this region. While local evapotranspiration also contributes to the atmospheric moisture supply, the balance between local and remote sources [...] Read more.
The South American Monsoon System, which transports moisture from Amazonia to Central-West Brazil, is an important moisture source for the summer rainy season in this region. While local evapotranspiration also contributes to the atmospheric moisture supply, the balance between local and remote sources during the onset of the rainy season remains uncertain. Our research aimed to quantify the role of local evapotranspiration in initiating the rainy season in Central-West Brazil. By utilizing data from various sources, such as remote sensing (MODIS), modern reanalysis (ECMWF’s ERA5), and composite products of rainfall (CHIRPS), and analyzing them in a comparative way, we conclusively found that local evapotranspiration is the only relevant source of moisture to the atmosphere during the dry-to-wet season transition, preceding the establishment of the monsoon system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Atmosphere Interactions)
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19 pages, 11831 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Soil Pore Structure and Shear Strength Deterioration of Compacted Soil under Controlled Wetting and Drying Cycles
by Kanishka S. Turrakheil, Syed Samran Ali Shah and Muhammad Naveed
Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070843 - 17 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1425
Abstract
This study investigates the evolution of soil pore structure and shear strength deterioration in compacted clayey soil under controlled wetting and drying (wd) cycles, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change. Thirty soil samples were compacted at optimal moisture [...] Read more.
This study investigates the evolution of soil pore structure and shear strength deterioration in compacted clayey soil under controlled wetting and drying (wd) cycles, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change. Thirty soil samples were compacted at optimal moisture content and 90% maximum dry density. These samples were then subjected to 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 controlled wd cycles from saturation to the wilting point, and volumetric changes were recorded during each cycle. After the wd treatment, the soil samples were scanned using X-ray computed tomography (CT) at 50 μm resolution and then sheared under unconsolidated–undrained and consolidated–undrained conditions in a triaxial test. Significant shrinkage and swelling of soil samples were observed during wd cycles, with average volumetric strain fluctuating between +12% at saturation and −5% at the wilting point. X-ray CT visualisation and analysis revealed higher porosity, more prominent pores, and increased pore length in soil samples with increasing wd cycles. Both undrained and effective soil shear strength markedly decreased with increasing wd cycles. CT-derived macroporosity and pore length were significant predictors of the soil’s undrained and effective shear strength when exposed to wd cycles. The findings emphasise the considerable impact of climate change, specifically wd cycles, on clayey soil, highlighting the need for consideration in the design of earth-based infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Atmosphere Interactions)
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20 pages, 7942 KiB  
Article
Interannual Variability of Water and Heat Fluxes in a Woodland Savanna (Cerrado) in Southeastern Brazil: Effects of Severe Drought and Soil Moisture
by Lucas F. C. da Conceição, Humberto R. da Rocha, Nelson V. Navarrete, Rafael Rosolem, Osvaldo M. R. Cabral and Helber C. de Freitas
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060668 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 976
Abstract
The Brazilian Cerrado biome is known for its high biodiversity, and the role of groundwater recharge and climate regulation. Anthropogenic influence has harmed the biome, emphasizing the need for science to understand its response to climate and reconcile economic exploration with preservation. Our [...] Read more.
The Brazilian Cerrado biome is known for its high biodiversity, and the role of groundwater recharge and climate regulation. Anthropogenic influence has harmed the biome, emphasizing the need for science to understand its response to climate and reconcile economic exploration with preservation. Our work aimed to evaluate the seasonal and interannual variability of the surface energy balance in a woodland savanna (Cerrado) ecosystem in southeastern Brazil over a period of 19 years, from 2001 to 2019. Using field micrometeorological measurements, we examined the variation in soil moisture and studied its impact on the temporal pattern of energy fluxes to distinguish the effects during rainy years compared to a severe drought spell. The soil moisture measures used two independent instruments, cosmic ray neutron sensor CRNS, and FDR at different depths. The measures were taken at the Pé de Gigante (PEG) site, in a region of well-defined seasonality with the dry season in winter and a hot/humid season in summer. We gap-filled the energy flux measurements with a calibrated biophysical model (SiB2). The long-term averages for air temperature and precipitation were 22.5 °C and 1309 mm/year, respectively. The net radiation (Rn) was 142 W/m2, the evapotranspiration (ET) and sensible heat flux (H) were 3.4 mm/d and 52 W/m2, respectively. Soil moisture was marked by a pronounced negative anomaly in the 2014 year, which caused an increase in the Bowen ratio and a decrease in Evaporative fraction, that lasted until the following year 2015 during the dry season, despite the severe meteorological drought of 2013/2014 already ending, which was corroborated by the two independent measurements. The results showed the remarkable influence of precipitation and soil moisture on the interannual variability of the energy balance in this Cerrado ecosystem, aiding in understanding how it responds to strong climate disturbances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Atmosphere Interactions)
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Review

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25 pages, 3007 KiB  
Review
Jump in Tropospheric Methane Concentrations in 2020–2021 and Slowdown in 2022–2024: New Hypotheses on Causation
by Tingzhen Ming, Renaud de Richter, Benjamin S. Felzer and Wei Li
Atmosphere 2025, 16(4), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16040406 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 801
Abstract
Earth’s atmospheric methane (CH4) concentration has risen more than 162% since pre-industrial levels in the mid-18th century, and about 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the pre-industrial era is due to CH4 The build-up of methane in the [...] Read more.
Earth’s atmospheric methane (CH4) concentration has risen more than 162% since pre-industrial levels in the mid-18th century, and about 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the pre-industrial era is due to CH4 The build-up of methane in the atmosphere in 2020–2022 was the largest since systematic measurements started in 1983, more than double the average yearly growth rate measured over the previous 17 years (15.2 ppb yr−1 vs. 5.71 ppb yr−1, respectively). During 2020, with a growth rate of 14.81 ppb yr−1, the level of atmospheric CH4 broke the previous record (which was set in 1991), and it was broken again immediately the following year, with an increase of 17.64 ppb yr−1 in 2021. For 2022, the final estimate is 13.25 ppb yr−1, the fourth largest annual growth rate. The most recent explanations for this surge in tropospheric CH4 include increased emissions from tropical wetlands, more floods, and increased temperatures. For 2020 and part of 2021, a reduction in the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere due to COVID-19 lockdowns was also proposed. Our main hypothesis is that this CH4 surge in 2020–2021 may also be caused by reduced sulfate emissions, which have been shown to decrease methanotrophy and increase methanogenesis rates in wetlands. Then, for the CH4 slowdown in 2022–2024, our hypotheses are that the emissions from wetlands remained high, but that there was an even higher increase in the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere due to multiple other parameters that are detailed in this article. This perspective review paper is mainly qualitative; it demonstrates that coupled climate–chemistry models will also need to integrate biochemistry, as the evolution of the atmospheric composition is multifactorial and non-linear. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Atmosphere Interactions)
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Other

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9 pages, 254 KiB  
Opinion
Impacts of Land–Atmosphere Interactions on Boundary Layer Variables: A Classification Perspective from Modeling Approaches
by Xin-Min Zeng, Congmin Li, Ning Wang and Irfan Ullah
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060650 - 29 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1107
Abstract
Previously, the types of impacts of land–atmosphere interactions have scarcely been clarified systematically. In this article, we present a classification of these impacts based on modeling boundary layer variables/parameters, which is grouped into local, regional, and remote impacts. In the narrow sense, land [...] Read more.
Previously, the types of impacts of land–atmosphere interactions have scarcely been clarified systematically. In this article, we present a classification of these impacts based on modeling boundary layer variables/parameters, which is grouped into local, regional, and remote impacts. In the narrow sense, land surface processes (LSPs) influence the atmospheric state via vertical land–atmosphere coupling at local scales, which is referred to as local LSP impacts. However, local LSP impacts can lead to the advection effect due to the horizontal heterogeneity in the parameters over a region, which can be defined as regional LSP impacts. Furthermore, remote LSP impacts on the regional atmospheric state are induced by some land/sea surface variables/parameters over remote key areas of the Earth’s surface, which are conventionally taken as strong signals of climate variation. Of the three impacts, local impacts are the most important essential, as the other two types of impacts are derived from these impacts. We describe the quantification of local impacts based on our previous studies from the perspective of modeling approaches, and we discuss some issues related to these impacts. Previous investigations showed that local LSP impacts are mostly stronger than regional LSP impacts, e.g., the diabatic process is dominant in the physical processes responsible for daily maximum temperatures, and two first-order physical processes including vertical diffusion largely induce changes in surface wind speed in China. Finally, some aspects for future research are noted. This study provides insights into the research on land–atmosphre interactions at different scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Atmosphere Interactions)
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