Nature – Yang et al. (2024): Fast reduction of Atlantic SST threatens Europe-wide gross primary productivity under positive and negative CO2 emissions

Young-Min Yang, Jongsoo Shin, So-Won Park, Jae-Heung Park, Soon-Il An, Jong-Seong Kug, Sang-Wook Yeh, June-Yi Lee, Bin Wang, Tim Li, Nari Im IN: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 7, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-024-00674-6

In this study, the authors utilized large ensemble simulations with an Earth system model of full complexity to investigate the response of Gross Primary Production (GPP) to CO₂ forcings. The findings reveal a significant asymmetry in the GPP response to CO₂ ramp-up and symmetric ramp-down model experiments, especially in Europe, suggesting that GPP declines rapidly as CO₂ levels decrease. Remarkably, during the CO₂ removal period, the North Atlantic Sea surface temperature experienced cooling due to a delayed recovery of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This cooling led to precipitation and soil moisture deficits, resulting in a rapid reduction in GPP. This asymmetry in GPP response holds consistent across multi-model simulations.

LINK