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Published on: October 28, 2022
Simulation of recent southern hemisphere climate change
Nathan P Gillett1, David W J Thompson
1School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, Post Office Box 3055, Victoria, BC V8W3P6, Canada. gillett@uvic.ca
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 11, 2003
Summary
Climate change in the Southern Hemisphere shows a stronger westerly wind flow. Stratospheric ozone depletion, caused by human emissions, is driving these surface climate trends.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Climate Science
Background:
- High-latitude Southern Hemisphere climate change is characterized by a strengthening circumpolar westerly flow.
- This strengthening extends from the Earth's surface through the stratosphere.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of stratospheric ozone depletion in observed Southern Hemisphere climate trends.
- To determine if ozone depletion impacts climate at both stratospheric and surface levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a state-of-the-art atmospheric model with high vertical resolution.
- Forced the model solely with prescribed stratospheric ozone depletion data.
Main Results:
- The model successfully simulated the seasonality, structure, and amplitude of observed climate trends.
- Demonstrated a clear link between stratospheric ozone depletion and surface climate changes.
Conclusions:
- Anthropogenic ozone depletion significantly impacts Southern Hemisphere climate.
- Observed climate trends are not solely stratospheric phenomena but extend to the Earth's surface.
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