Estimation of Radiative Forcing Due to Black Carbon on Snow Over Mountains of Eastern African Region
Abstract
The impact of black carbon (BC) induced climate change on melting of mountain glaciers is not well understood, particularly in East Africa. This study estimates radiative forcing due to BC on snow over four major East African mountains: Kilimanjaro, Kenya, Elgon, and Rwenzori. The Coupled Ocean and Atmosphere Radiative Transfer (COART) model was used to generate net radiative fluxes using 2010-2017 BC aerosol optical thickness data. Future radiative forcing was projected to 2032 using the Lagrange interpolation method and temperature projections from the MAGICC/SCENGEN model. Results show significant BC-induced radiative forcing, with 2032 projections ranging from 1.782 W/m² (Mt. Kenya) to 3.952 W/m² (Mt. Rwenzori). Corresponding temperature increases due to BC alone are projected to range from 0.891°C (Mt. Kenya) to 1.976°C (Mt. Rwenzori) by 2032. All mountains show increasing trends in BC impacts, with rates of 0.100-0.231 W/m² per year. Mountains closer to populated areas exhibit higher BC effects, suggesting strong anthropogenic influence. These findings have significant implications for accelerated glacier retreat, altered hydrological cycles, and ecosystem disruption in East Africa. The study highlights the need for targeted BC emission reduction strategies and enhanced monitoring in these sensitive mountain environments. This research addresses critical knowledge gaps and contributes to more accurate climate projections for the East African region.
Keywords
Radiative Forcing, Snow, Glaziers, East Africa
Citations
IRE Journals:
Juma S. G , Mbithi D. N.
"Estimation of Radiative Forcing Due to Black Carbon on Snow Over Mountains of Eastern African Region" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 1 2024 Page 259-267
IEEE:
Juma S. G , Mbithi D. N.
"Estimation of Radiative Forcing Due to Black Carbon on Snow Over Mountains of Eastern African Region" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(1)
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