Is It Time for
a Rebirth in The Geologic Application of Climate Models?
Barron, Eric J.1 (1)
Fully-resolved climate models have been
applied to geologic problems in two different tracks. The first emphasizes
explanations of the climate changes. These investigations seek an understanding
of periods of warmth or an explanation of past glaciation.
Much of the research emphasis is therefore on correct specification of the
forcing factors that govern past climates, incorporation of key climate
feedbacks, and on matching the suite of recorded thermal indicators. This
approach has contributed to a greater understanding of climate sensitivity and
even a critique of elements that may be incorrectly incorporated into climate models.
The second emphasizes reconstruction of the environmental conditions during a
specific interval of time. It considers the geologic record as an excellent
recorder of environmental conditions, albeit with limited spatial and temporal
resolution. Rather than use sparse geologic data to build a comprehensive
picture of past conditions, a climate model is used to simulate the physical
characteristics of a specific time period. The objective is a more
comprehensive, physically-based characterization, and in many cases, much
greater insight into the nature of the geologic record. Much of the research
over the last two decades has focused on understanding climate sensitivity and
support of earth history modeling has tended to focus on more recent climates. Climate
models have become increasingly sophisticated, adding interactions with
vegetation, ice, and the oceans in greater detail and incorporating much higher
spatial resolution. These advances suggest that there is substantial
opportunity to utilize climate models to further our understanding of the full
geologic record.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California