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Simulated influence of carbon dioxide, orbital forcing and ice sheets on the climate of the Last Glacial Maximum

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  • Andrew J. Weaver

    (School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria)

  • Michael Eby

    (School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria)

  • Augustus F. Fanning

    (School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria)

  • Edward C. Wiebe

    (School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria)

Abstract

A coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea-ice model is used to investigate the climate of the Last Glacial Maximum (∼21,000 years ago) and the relative climate-forcing effects of atmosphere CO2, the Earth's orbital parameters and ice-sheet albedo. Tropical temperatures are found to be ∼2.2 °C less than today's—slightly colder than indicated by the CLIMAP palaeoclimate reconstruction. This result is consistent with a low to medium climate sensitivity to radiative perturbations. Temperatures are colder still in the northern North Atlantic region, owing to a weakening and shallowing of the thermohaline circulation. A sensitivity analysis suggests that changes in ocean circulation since the Last Glacial Maximum have not contributed directly to the global-mean temperature change since that time.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew J. Weaver & Michael Eby & Augustus F. Fanning & Edward C. Wiebe, 1998. "Simulated influence of carbon dioxide, orbital forcing and ice sheets on the climate of the Last Glacial Maximum," Nature, Nature, vol. 394(6696), pages 847-853, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:394:y:1998:i:6696:d:10.1038_29695
    DOI: 10.1038/29695
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