Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.4
continued
Source:
Compiled from data in Cubasch and Cess (1990) All models are global, with realistic geography
and a seasonal cycle of insolation
*Resolution is defined either by latitude and longitude (e.g. 4°×5°) in grid point models, or by the number
of waves (moving disturbances) that can be accommodated in spectral models (e.g. R15 or T32).
particularly important in studies of global
warming, have already been coupled to ocean
models, and chemical models are being
developed to investigate the influence of other
trace gases on the general circulation of the
atmosphere (Cubasch and Cess 1990).
Global circulation models are being developed
or refined at about a dozen universities,
government laboratories and research institutes
around the world (see Table 2.4). Most of the
effort has gone into producing equilibrium
models. In these change is introduced into a
model which represents existing climate
conditions, and the model is then allowed to run
until a new equilibrium is reached. The new
model climate can then be compared with the
original to establish the overall impact of the
change, The numerous GCMs used to study the
impact of a doubling of atmospheric carbon
dioxide on world climates are of this type. They
