Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Climate Sensitivity of Moderate- and Low-Resolution Versions of CCSM3 to Preindustrial Forcings

Bette L. Otto-Bliesner National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Robert Tomas National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Esther C. Brady National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Caspar Ammann National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Zav Kothavala National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Gabriel Clauzet Department of Physical Oceanography, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

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Print Publication:
01 Jun 2006
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI3754.1
Page(s):
2567–2583
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Abstract

Preindustrial (PI) simulations of the Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3) at two resolutions, a moderate and a low resolution, are described and compared to the standard controls for present-day (PD) simulations. Because of computational efficiency, the moderate- and low-resolution versions of CCSM3 may be appropriate for climate change studies requiring simulations of the order of hundreds to thousands of years. The PI simulations provide the basis for comparison for proxy records that represent average late Holocene conditions.

When forced with PI trace gases, aerosols, and solar irradiance estimates, both resolutions have a global cooling of 1.2°–1.3°C, increased sea ice in both hemispheres, and less precipitation near the equator and at midlatitudes as compared to simulations using PD forcing. The response to PI forcings differs in the two resolutions for North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC), the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), and ENSO. The moderate-resolution CCSM3 has enhanced ACC, North Atlantic MOC, and tropical Pacific ENSO variability for PI forcings as compared to PD. The low-resolution CCSM3 with more extensive sea ice and colder climate at high northern latitudes in the PD simulation shows less sensitivity of the North Atlantic MOC to PI forcing. ENSO variability and the strength of the ACC do not increase with PI forcing in the low-resolution CCSM3.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Bette Otto-Bliesner, CCR/CGD, National Center for Atmospheric Research, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000. Email: ottobli@ucar.edu

Abstract

Preindustrial (PI) simulations of the Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3) at two resolutions, a moderate and a low resolution, are described and compared to the standard controls for present-day (PD) simulations. Because of computational efficiency, the moderate- and low-resolution versions of CCSM3 may be appropriate for climate change studies requiring simulations of the order of hundreds to thousands of years. The PI simulations provide the basis for comparison for proxy records that represent average late Holocene conditions.

When forced with PI trace gases, aerosols, and solar irradiance estimates, both resolutions have a global cooling of 1.2°–1.3°C, increased sea ice in both hemispheres, and less precipitation near the equator and at midlatitudes as compared to simulations using PD forcing. The response to PI forcings differs in the two resolutions for North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC), the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), and ENSO. The moderate-resolution CCSM3 has enhanced ACC, North Atlantic MOC, and tropical Pacific ENSO variability for PI forcings as compared to PD. The low-resolution CCSM3 with more extensive sea ice and colder climate at high northern latitudes in the PD simulation shows less sensitivity of the North Atlantic MOC to PI forcing. ENSO variability and the strength of the ACC do not increase with PI forcing in the low-resolution CCSM3.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Bette Otto-Bliesner, CCR/CGD, National Center for Atmospheric Research, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000. Email: ottobli@ucar.edu

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