Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-71779-0
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Machine-learning emergent constraints on surface albedo feedback over Arctic land regions
Author Yu, L.; Leng, G.; Yao, L.; Tang, Q.; Wendisch, M.; Qiu, J.; Huang, S.; Liao, X.; Peng, J. ORCID logo
Source Titel Nature Communications
Year 2026
Department RS
Volume 17
Page From art. 5041
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Data and Software links https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30664439
Supplements Supplement 1
Supplement 2
Abstract

Surface albedo feedback (SAF) amplifies warming in northern high latitudes, affecting the Arctic climate system, ecosystems, infrastructure, and global trade routes. However, Earth system models (ESMs) exhibit large uncertainties in SAF projections, complicating future Arctic warming estimates. Here, we develop a machine-learning method based on emergent constraints (ECs) and use in-situ observations to constrain SAF projections over Arctic land regions. Our approach leverages a physical relationship between historical albedo-temperature dynamics (1985–2014) and future SAF (2070–2099) across ESM ensembles. The constrained SAF is reduced by 0.29–0.52 W m-2 K-1 across emission scenarios, with uncertainties decreased by 45–55% compared to unconstrained projections. These findings enhance confidence in regional climate projections, offering more precise insights for climate adaptation and policy in vulnerable high-latitude communities.

Yu, L., Leng, G., Yao, L., Tang, Q., Wendisch, M., Qiu, J., Huang, S., Liao, X., Peng, J. (2026):
Machine-learning emergent constraints on surface albedo feedback over Arctic land regions
Nat. Commun. 17 , art. 5041
10.1038/s41467-026-71779-0