Wildfires leave behind potent climate warmers in the form of dark-brown carbon particles that enhance the absorption of sunlight and warm the atmosphere, especially when deposited on snowy surfaces. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have recently discovered that dark-brown carbon (d-BrC) from wildfires plays a much larger role as a snow-warming agent than previously thought, being 1.6 times as potent as black carbon. This finding sheds light on the significant impact that different types of smoke particles have on warming the Earth’s climate.
The deposition of water insoluble organic carbon on snow in regions like the Tibetan Plateau has been previously recorded, but the snow-melting potential of these particles had not been thoroughly investigated until now. The research team at WashU has been studying the effects of d-BrC on snow caps, likening it to an “evil cousin” of black carbon. These particles cannot be easily washed away or bleached, leading to decreased reflectivity of the snow and subsequent warming of the surrounding air. By understanding the role of d-BrC, researchers can improve climate models and accurately measure the impact of wildfire smoke deposition on snow melt.
The discovery of d-BrC as a significant snow-warming agent has important implications for policymakers and researchers as wildfires become more prevalent. Without considering the effects of d-BrC, estimates of snow melt from wildfire smoke deposition have likely been underestimated. By accounting for this factor, policymakers can develop strategies to mitigate the impact of wildfire smoke on snow melt and reduce anomalous warming cycles. While d-BrC absorbs slightly less light than black carbon, its abundance in wildfire plumes makes it a major contributor to snow melt and climate warming.
In order to further investigate the real-world effects of d-BrC on snow melt, the research team plans to conduct experiments in a laboratory setting using a four-foot-tall snow globe. By creating snow within the chamber and depositing aerosols on it, researchers can simulate the effects of d-BrC on snow reflectance and temperature. This experimental phase of research will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which d-BrC contributes to snow melt and climate warming, helping to refine our understanding of these complex processes.
Overall, the study on the role of dark-brown carbon from wildfires in snow warming highlights the need for more comprehensive research on the impacts of smoke particles on the Earth’s climate. By better understanding the mechanisms through which d-BrC affects snow reflectance and temperature, researchers can improve climate models and measurements, leading to more accurate predictions of future warming trends. This research will also inform policymakers on strategies to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke on snow melt, offering solutions to reduce the impact of this form of carbon on climate change.
