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Rapid climate change: scientific challenges and the new NERC programme
1Southampton Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK. m.srokosz@soc.soton.ac.uk
Summary
This study addresses challenges in observing and predicting rapid climate change, focusing on the Atlantic thermohaline circulation. Research includes monitoring the North Atlantic
Area of Science:
- Climate science
- Oceanography
- Earth system science
Background:
- Rapid climate change presents significant scientific challenges in observation, modeling, and prediction.
- The Atlantic thermohaline circulation plays a critical role in global climate dynamics.
- Understanding abrupt climate shifts is crucial for accurate future climate projections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the scientific challenges associated with rapid climate change.
- To highlight the role of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation in these changes.
- To outline observational and modeling studies under the NERC Rapid Climate Change (RAPID) programme.
Main Methods:
- Review of palaeo and present-day observational data.
- Analysis of climate modeling studies.
- Specific focus on monitoring the North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation.
Main Results:
- The paper outlines ongoing research efforts to address climate change challenges.
- It details the methodologies employed in the NERC RAPID programme.
- Work includes monitoring key components of the Atlantic circulation.
Conclusions:
- Continued research is essential for understanding and predicting rapid climate change.
- Monitoring the Atlantic thermohaline circulation is vital for climate assessment.
- Potential mechanisms for abrupt climate shifts are speculatively discussed.
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