Contribution of Volcanic and Anthropogenic Aerosols to Sea Level Changes

Previous research has shown that emission of both volcanic and anthropogenic aerosols can impact sea level trends and variability. These forcings have the potential to mask or enhance regional sea level changes due to increasing greenhouse gasses. Historical experiments from CMIP5 include simulations that vary only one forcing agent while all others are treated as in the pre-industrial control run. Six models provide volcanic-only simulations (including 37 realizations) and eleven models provide anthropogenic-aerosol-only simulations (48 realizations). Simulations that include only one type of aerosol effect are also analyzed for the models that provide them. These experiments, along with control runs and observations are used to examine individual volcanic eruptions as well evolving anthropogenic aerosol concentrations. The results enhance and expand our understanding of the relationship these forcings have with regional sea level trends and variability.