Aerosols modulate East Asian surface temperature: unique cloud-radiation feedback and species-dependent effects

The mechanisms by which aerosols influence surface air temperature (SAT) in East Asia remain insufficiently understood, particularly regarding species-specific roles. This study employs the WRF-Chem model to investigate aerosol–radiation–cloud feedbacks and quantify the contributions of individual aerosol species to SAT variability. Computing aerosol prognostically improves the simulation of SAT for March 2018, reducing mean absolute error by 5.7%. A distinctive aerosol–cloud vertical coupling is identified in the region: while mid-latitudes show weak low-cloud adjustments, the subtropics develop a characteristic “low-cloud increase, high-cloud decrease” structure. This pattern interacts with meteorological conditions, leading to substantial radiative reduction over the East China Sea, comparable to that east of Japan. Species-level analysis highlights dominant cooling by sulfate and organic carbon, small net warming by black carbon, and amplified indirect cooling by ammonia, whereas carbon monoxide and natural aerosols exert relatively minor effects. These results provide scientific evidence for understanding the chemical composition–dependent impacts of aerosols on SAT and for improving regional climate simulations in East Asia.