Steps for the identification of Elevation Dependent Warming in the Pyrenees

In recent decades, several research efforts have been made to quantify climate change in the Pyrenees, mainly focusing on temperature and precipitation trends since the 1950s. However, as in many mountain regions around the world, the lack of data at the highest elevations makes it difficult to draw solid conclusions about the varying warming rates at different altitudes.

As part of the LIFE-SIP project "Pyrenees4Clima" (2024-2032) various tasks for the detection and analysis of Elevation-Dependent Warming (EDW) have been planned. First, as much climate series as possible above 1,500 meters is being compiled, with trend analysis, quality control, and homogenization (if needed) being carried out. Additionally, temperature and relative humidity sensors will be installed during the summer of 2025 to create or enhance four pilot areas in Spain (Catalonia and Aragón), France, and Andorra for a detailed analysis of EDW and circulation patterns. To support this readings, a complete automatic weather station has been installed in one of the pilote areas (in the Catalan Pyrenees and 1,700 m). By incorporating snow measurements from existing automatic weather stations, the influence of the presence or absence of snow on warming will also be explored.

This presentation aims to show EGU 2025 participants our objectives, intentions, and results to date, learn about other EDW case studies, and share experiences and recommendations during this initial phase of our project.