Numerical Modelling of Climate

Abstract

Numerous ways of modelling climate exist, ranging from a single, simple mathematical equation up to complex global atmospheric--oceanic coupled models which explicitly forecast the basic weather elements such as temperature, pressure, wind velocity etc. These models, known as general circulation models, currently provide the most comprehensive and credible representations of climatic systems. The structure of these models is briefly outlined, and results from a number of models are presented to illustrate their versatility. A number of other simpler modelling approaches to climate are discussed to emphasize the opportunities which this problem presents for creative and rewarding research.