Advances in understanding the mechanisms of Arctic amplification

The near-surface temperatures in the Arctic are increasing at more than twice the global average rate, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification (AA). In recent years, numerous studies using ground-based and satellite observations, along with model simulations, have explored the potential mechanisms behind AA, offering a variety of observational evidence and theoretical explanations. Although the understanding of AA drivers has improved, significant uncertainties remain in quantifying the contributions of different influential factors. On the basis of the latest research, this article thoroughly examines the factors driving rapid warming in the Arctic, including local feedbacks, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and aerosols, and compares quantitative results across studies. The analysis highlights the complex interplay of multiple factors contributing to AA, with no clear consensus on the relative contributions of each driver. Finally, the article underscores key challenges in current research, emphasizing the need for more reliable observational data, a deeper understanding of AA mechanisms, improved model parameterizations, and the disentanglement of interactions among driving factors, all of which are essential for future investigations.