An introduction to climate modelling of the holocene

An increasingly important motivation for palaeoclimate studies of the Holocene is the evaluation of computer climate models. These models play a central role in future climate change prediction and it is important that they are fully tested in climate regimes other than the present. In addition, the models can provide valuable insights into the interpretation of the proxy climate indicators. This chapter will describe the hierarchy of climate models, ranging from very simple box models to the most sophisticated general circulation models. The fundamental principles of the models will be discussed, as well as their strength and weaknesses. The Mid-Holocene, 6000 years before present, will provide one example of the use of such models.