Geophysikalisches Kolloquium: Albedo and Meridional Energy Transport
In this presentation we will examine the relative contributions of surface and atmospheric composition to the planetary albedo, in both observations and the CMIP3/AR4 climate models. We will then examine the relationship between planetary albedo, outgoing longwave radiation to space, and meridional energy transport by the climate system in observations, in the suite of CMIP3 climate models for the modern climate, and in climate model simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum and for quadruple preindustrial carbon dioxide. We conclude that the meridional energy transport is largely determined by meridional gradients in absorbed solar radiation, which is overwhelmingly due to geometry and the distribution of clouds. We will then discuss the implications for Stone's (1978) hypothesis that the meridional energy transport is independent of the (mixture of) dynamical processes that accomplish the energy transport.
Datum
14.06.2012
Uhrzeit
15:15 Uhr
Ort
- Bundesstr. 53, room 022/023
- Seminar Room 022/023, Ground Floor, Bundesstrasse 53, 20146 Hamburg, Hamburg
ReferentIn
David S. Battisti, University of Washington