Enhanced Aerosol Radiative Forcing in the Arctic Region from 2000 to 2022

We analyzed the observational patterns and trends of atmospheric aerosols in the Arctic region above 60 degrees N latitude from 2000 to 2023. Aerosol measurements are based on observations from 15 ground stations operated by AErosol Robotic NETwork (AERONET) and the ultraviolet observing satellites. Results showed that Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) over the Arctic region has gradually decreased (-0.057 AOT/yearx1000) over the past 24 years. This decrease is more evident (-1.180 AOT/yearx1000) in the period before 2016. However, from 2016 until recently, AOT has increased significantly (6.461 AOT/yearx1000). This increase was most pronounced in North America and North Asia, and was associated with an increase in fine particles. Due to the increase of fine particles, the aerosol radiative forcing has shown regional variations, and we found that it has increased by about a factor of two compared to before 2016. These trends in aerosol radiative forcing may have implications for future aerosol growth as well as climate change.