Existing observations and new transects for elevation-dependent climate change detection in the Pyrenees
Abstract ID: 3.10197 | Accepted as Poster | Poster | TBA | TBA
Pere Esteban Vea (1)
Juan Ignacio López-Moreno (2), Marc Prohom Duran (1), Jordi Cunillera Graño (1)
(2) Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE-CSIC), Campus de Aula Dei, Zaragoza, Spain
Since climate change appears to be more pronounced at higher altitudes, several efforts have been made to quantify its effects in mountain regions. Thanks to these initiatives, it has been observed that the rate of climate change is often more rapid at higher elevations, as highlighted by various studies worldwide and by the Elevation-Dependent Climate Change (EDCC) working group. At the same time, active research has been conducted in the Pyrenees, primarily focusing on temperature and precipitation trends since the 1950s. However, as in other mountain regions worldwide, the lack of data from the highest elevations still prevents researchers from drawing solid conclusions about the existence of EDCC in this southwestern European mountain range. To address this issue, and as part of the LIFE-SIP project Pyrenees4Clima (2024–2032), various tasks have been planned for the detection and analysis of EDCC, mainly focusing on temperature and relative humidity. First, as many Andorran, Spanish, and French climate records as possible from elevations above 1,500 meters are being compiled, with quality control, homogenization (if needed), and trend analysis being carried out. Furthermore, two or three new transects with meteorological sensors are expected to become operational during summer–autumn 2025 in the central Pyrenees (Bonabé, Benasque, and Torla areas), where the highest elevations of the range are located. These transects will follow, as closely as possible, the Unified High Elevation Observing Platform (UHOP) recommendations regarding the placement of Anchor, Intermediate, and Float stations. Using the data compiled before and during the coming years, analyses for EDCC detection will be conducted. Additionally, the dependence on circulation patterns and the influence of snow cover (or its absence) on warming will also be explored. This presentation aims to introduce IMC 2025 participants and EDCC specialists to the new transects and to share experiences and recommendations for future work.
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