Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1038/s41558-023-01812-3
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Soil heat extremes can outpace air temperature extremes
Author García-García, A.; Cuesta-Valero, F.J.; Miralles, D.G.; Mahecha, M.; Quaas, J.; Reichstein, M.; Zscheischler, J. ORCID logo ; Peng, J. ORCID logo
Source Titel Nature Climate Change
Year 2023
Department CHS; RS
Volume 13
Issue 11
Page From 1237
Page To 1241
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1038%2Fs41558-023-01812-3/MediaObjects/41558_2023_1812_MOESM1_ESM.pdf
Abstract Quantifying changes in hot temperature extremes is key for developing adaptation strategies. Changes in hot extremes are often determined on the basis of air temperatures; however, hydrology and many biogeochemical processes are more sensitive to soil temperature. Here we show that soil hot extremes are increasing faster than air hot extremes by 0.7 °C per decade in intensity and twice as fast in frequency on average over Central Europe. Furthermore, we identify soil temperature as a key factor in the soil moisture–temperature feedback. During dry and warm conditions, the energy absorbed by the soil is used to warm the soil, increasing the release of sensible heat flux and surface air temperatures. This increase in surface air temperature leads to a higher atmospheric demand for water, increasing soil evaporation, which may further dry and warm the soil highlighting the contribution of soil moisture–temperature feedback to the evolution of hot extremes in a warming climate.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=27789
García-García, A., Cuesta-Valero, F.J., Miralles, D.G., Mahecha, M., Quaas, J., Reichstein, M., Zscheischler, J., Peng, J. (2023):
Soil heat extremes can outpace air temperature extremes
Nat. Clim. Chang. 13 (11), 1237 - 1241 10.1038/s41558-023-01812-3