Rapid climate change: scientific challenges and the new NERC programme

In this paper the scientific challenges of observing, modelling, understanding and predicting rapid changes in climate are discussed, with a specific focus on the role of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation. The palaeo and present-day observational and modelling studies being carried out to meet t...

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Published inPhilosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series A: Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences Vol. 361; no. 1810; pp. 2061 - 2078
Main Author Srokosz, M.A.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England The Royal Society 15.09.2003
Subjects
Atlantic
Atlantic Ocean
Atmospheric circulation
Climate
Climate change
Climate models
Cold Climate
Computer Simulation
Modelling
Models, Theoretical
Observations
Ocean currents
Oceanic climates
Oceans
Organizational Objectives
Palaeo
Paleoclimatology
Rapid Climate Change
Research - organization & administration
Research Design
Sea transportation
Seas
Thermohaline Circulation
United Kingdom
Water Movements
AN, North Atlantic
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Summary:In this paper the scientific challenges of observing, modelling, understanding and predicting rapid changes in climate are discussed, with a specific focus on the role of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation. The palaeo and present-day observational and modelling studies being carried out to meet these challenges, under the aegis of a new NERC Rapid Climate Change thematic programme (RAPID), are outlined. In particular, the paper describes the work being done to monitor changes in the meridional overturning circulation of the North Atlantic. The paper concludes with some speculative comments about potential mechanisms for rapid changes.
Bibliography:istex:BBCF9DD2669437DCA875483DD514AFD13552B657
ark:/67375/V84-J8D8QJS5-L
Discussion Meeting Issue 'Abrupt climate change: evidence, mechanisms and implications' organized by J. H. Lawton, J. Marotzke, R. Marsh and I. N. McCave
ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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content type line 23
ISSN:1364-503X
1471-2962
DOI:10.1098/rsta.2003.1243