Elevation-dependent warming in mountain regions of the world

NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE | VOL 5 | MAY 2015 | www.nature.com/natureclimatechange It is well known that the rate of temperature change with increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is amplified at high latitudes, but there is growing evidence that the rate of warming is also amplified with elevation, such as in mountain environments. This elevation-dependent warming (EDW) has important implications for the mass balance of the high-altitude cryosphere and associated runoff; for ecosystems and farming communities in high-mountain environments; and also for species that reside in restricted altitudinal zones within a mountain range. However, because of sparse high-elevation observations, there is a danger that we may not be monitoring some regions of the globe that are warming the most. Here we review the evidence for EDW and examine the mechanisms that may account for this phenomenon. We conclude with a strategy for future research to reduce current uncertainties and to ensure that the changes taking place in remote high-elevation regions of the planet are adequately observed and accounted for.