A brief comparison of model simulations of glacial period maximum atmospheric circulation

Abstract

The results of studies which have investigated the response of the simulated atmospheric circulation to inclusion of glacial period boundary conditions are discussed. Five numerical models are briefly described and the boundary conditions used in the experiments are discussed. All of the models found that the glacial period atmosphere was cooler and drier with the northern hemisphere jet stream strengthened and shifted south. Some variables, e.g. kinetic energy, surface temperature, monsoon circulation and Hadley circulation responded differently in the different simulations, some of the discrepancies are discussed.