Anthropogenic forcings reverse a simulated multi-century naturally-forced Northern Hemisphere Hadley cell intensification

The Hadley circulation plays a central role in determining the location and intensity of the hydrological cycle in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Thus, the human-induced historical and projected weakening of the Northern Hemisphere Hadley circulation has considerable societal impacts. Yet, it is currently unknown how unparalleled this weakening is relative to the response of the circulation to natural forcings in past centuries. Here, using state-of-the-art climate models, we show that in contrast to the recent and future human-induced Hadley circulation weakening, natural forcings acted to intensify the circulation by cooling the climate over the last millennium. The reversal of a naturally-forced multi-centennial trend by human emissions highlights their unprecedented impacts on the atmospheric circulation. Given the amplifying effect of natural forcings on the Hadley circulation, our analysis stresses the importance of adequately incorporating natural forcings in climate model projections to better constrain future tropical climate changes.

Or Hess, Rei Chemke