Projects per year
Abstract
Eight general circulation models have simulated the mid-Pliocene warm period (mid-Pliocene, 3.264 to 3.025 Ma) as part of the Pliocene Modelling Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP). Here, we analyse and compare their simulation of Arctic sea ice for both the pre-industrial period and the mid-Pliocene. Mid-Pliocene sea ice thickness and extent is reduced, and the model spread of extent is more than twice the pre-industrial spread in some summer months. Half of the PlioMIP models simulate ice-free conditions in the mid-Pliocene. This spread amongst the ensemble is in line with the uncertainties amongst proxy reconstructions for mid-Pliocene sea ice extent. Correlations between mid-Pliocene Arctic temperatures and sea ice extents are almost twice as strong as the equivalent correlations for the pre-industrial simulations. The need for more comprehensive sea ice proxy data is highlighted, in order to better compare model performances.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 749-767 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Climate of the Past |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 23 Mar 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2016 |
Keywords
- model intercomparison project
- mid-pliocene climate
- meridional
- overturning circulation coupled model experimental-design
- warm period ocean cover
- variability thickness
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Arctic sea ice simulation in the PlioMIP ensemble'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
-
Timing, Causes and Consequences of the Decline in Pliocene pCO2
Pancost, R. D. (Principal Investigator)
1/04/10 → 1/08/13
Project: Research