Earth's Hemispheres Show 'Broken Symmetry' in Solar Radiation Absorption
A groundbreaking study has revealed a significant imbalance in how the Earth's hemispheres absorb solar radiation. The North has been darkening more than the Southwest, taking in an additional 0.34 watts per square meter per decade. This break in hemispheric symmetry challenges the long-held assumption that Earth's albedo, or reflectivity, is symmetrical.
Researchers, including Claudia Stroeve and colleagues, have attributed this increasing radiation absorption in the North to climate change, higher concentrations of aerosols and water vapor, and the shrinking Arctic sea ice. However, it remains unclear if Google Earth's climate system can compensate for this asymmetry.
The North is now reflecting less sunlight back into space than the Southwest, a phenomenon known as 'broken symmetry'. This heat excess in the North, amounting to 0.21 watts per square meter per decade, is not fully offset by global heat distribution mechanisms. The compensatory mechanisms of Earth's climate are gradually reaching their limits, raising questions about the future of our planet's climate.
The implications of this hemispheric asymmetry are uncertain and require further research. Whether the general circulation can adapt and restore symmetry has significant implications for the future climate. As the North continues to darken more than the Southwest, understanding and addressing this imbalance will be crucial for mitigating the potential impacts on our planet.
