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Modeling glacial climatesMathematical climate modelling has matured as a discipline to the point that it is useful in paleoclimatology. As an example a new two dimensional energy balance model is described and applied to several problems of current interest. The model includes the seasonal cycle and the detailed land-sea geographical distribution. By examining the changes in the seasonal cycle when external perturbations are forced upon the climate system it is possible to construct hypotheses about the origin of midlatitude ice sheets and polar ice caps. In particular the model predicts a rather sudden potential for glaciation over large areas when the Earth's orbital elements are only slightly altered. Similarly, the drift of continents or the change of atmospheric carbon dioxide over geological time induces radical changes in continental ice cover. With the advance of computer technology and improved understanding of the individual components of the climate system, these ideas will be tested in far more realistic models in the near future.
Document ID
19840017153
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
North, G. R.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Crowley, T. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1984
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-86106
NAS 1.15:86106
Accession Number
84N25221
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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