General Circulation Model Scenarios for the Southern United States

Author(s):  
Ellen J. Cooter
2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasubandhu Misra ◽  
P. A. Dirmeyer

Abstract Multidecadal simulations over the continental United States by an atmospheric general circulation model coupled to an ocean general circulation model is compared with that forced by observed sea surface temperature (SST). The differences in the mean and the variability of precipitation are found to be larger in the boreal summer than in the winter. This is because the mean SST differences in the two simulations are qualitatively comparable between the two seasons. The analysis shows that, in the boreal summer season, differences in moisture flux convergence resulting from changes in the circulation between the two simulations initiate and sustain changes in precipitation between them. This difference in precipitation is, however, further augmented by the contributions from land surface evaporation, resulting in larger differences of precipitation between the two simulations. However, in the boreal winter season, despite differences in the moisture flux convergence between the two model integrations, the precipitation differences over the continental United States are insignificant. It is also shown that land–atmosphere feedback is comparatively much weaker in the boreal winter season.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Olfert ◽  
R. M. Weiss ◽  
D. Kriticos

Climate is the dominant factor determining the distribution and abundance of most insect species. In recent years, the issue of climatic changes caused by human activities and the effects on agriculture has raised concern. General circulation model scenarios were applied to a bioclimatic model ofMelanoplus sanguinipesto assess the potential impact of global warming on its distribution and relative abundance. Native to North America and widely distributed,M. sanguinipesis one of the grasshopper species of the continent most responsible for economic damage to grain, oilseed, pulse, and forage crops. Compared to predicted range and distribution under current climate conditions, model results indicated thatM. sanguinipeswould have increased range and relative abundance under the three general circulation model scenarios in more northern regions of North America. Conversely, model output predicted that the range of this crop pest could contract in regions where climate conditions became limiting.


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