Q1 | Dry events: What is the effect of local and remote land–atmosphere feedbacks on the onset, evolution and termination of droughts and dry spells?

Current understanding of the physical factors influencing development of abnormally dry conditions suggests the key role of large-scale circulation. However, an increasing number of studies show that land surface state can play an important role, both locally and remotely. However, quantitative evidence on the relevance of land–atmosphere feedbacks on precipitation changes during droughts and dry spells is still lacking.

Q2 | Drying trends: How does the contribution of land–atmosphere feedbacks vary as climate changes and to what degree does it explain drying trends?

Simulations with climate models suggest a key role of soil moisture trends in future climate conditions. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. The effect on precipitation triggering via land feedbacks on the boundary layer evolution is suggested as a potential reason. Fostering collaboration between the climate modelling community and the hydrometeorology community –working at boundary layer and sub-daily scales – can enhance our understanding of these long-term changes.

TOOLS

– Open-access tools developed in the project –