Recorded presentation12.2
Oceanic Influences on Recent Continental Warming
Gilbert P. Compo, Climate Diagnostics Center/CIRES/University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; and P. Sardeshmukh
Evidence is presented that the recent worldwide warming of the continents has occurred largely in response to a worldwide warming of the oceans rather than as a direct response to increasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) over the continents. Atmospheric model simulations of the last half-century with prescribed observed ocean temperature changes, but without prescribed GHG changes, account for most of the continental warming. The oceanic influence has occurred through hydrodynamic-radiative teleconnections, primarily by moistening the air over the continents and increasing the downward longwave radiation at the surface. The oceans may themselves have warmed from a combination of natural and anthropogenic influences. Recorded presentation
Session 12, Detection and attribution of climate change: Part I
Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM, 215-216
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