How do scientists work out what the climate is going to be like in future?
Scientists use sophisticated computer models of the world’s atmosphere, surface and oceans to examine likely future changes to climate due to global warming. Climate models are complex, lengthy computer programs based upon the physical laws and equations of motion that govern the Earths climate system. The models work by mimicking (or reproducing) the way in which the Earth’s climate behaves from day to day, and from season to season. They do this for all parts of the globe: the surface, throughout the atmosphere, and for the depths of the oceans. Climate models are good at simulating the broad features of our present climate. Simulated distribution of surface temperatures, winds and precipitation over the seasons are very similar to what is observed. This gives us confidence that the models adequately represent the important physical and dynamic processes of climate. Using these climate models, scientists can simulate present climatic conditions (control runs).
Scientists use sophisticated computer models of the world’s atmosphere, surface and oceans to examine likely future changes to climate due to global warming. Climate models are complex, lengthy computer programs based upon the physical laws and equations of motion that govern the Earth s climate system. The models work by mimicking (or reproducing) the way in which the Earth’s climate behaves from day to day, and from season to season. They do this for all parts of the globe: the surface, throughout the atmosphere, and for the depths of the oceans. Climate models are good at simulating the broad features of our present climate. Simulated distribution of surface temperatures, winds and precipitation over the seasons are very similar to what is observed. This gives us confidence that the models adequately represent the important physical and dynamic processes of climate. Using these climate models, scientists can simulate present climatic conditions ( control runs). They can also simulat
