Publication Abstracts

Schmidt et al. 2007

Schmidt, G.A., A.N. LeGrande, and G. Hoffmann, 2007: Water isotope expressions of intrinsic and forced variability in a coupled ocean-atmosphere model. J. Geophys. Res., 112, D10103, doi:10.1029/2006JD007781.

Water isotopes provide a clear record of past climate variability but establishing their precise relationship to local or regional climate changes is the key to quantitative interpretations. We have incorporated water isotope tracers within the complete hydrological cycle of GISS coupled ocean-atmosphere model (ModelE) in order to assess these relationships. Using multi-centennial simulations of the modern (pre-industrial) and mid-Holocene (6kyr BP) climate, we examine the internal variability and the forced response to orbital and greenhouse gas forcing. Modelled isotopic anomalies clearly reflect climatic changes and, particularly in the tropics, are more regionally coherent than the precipitation anomalies. Matches to observations at the mid-Holocene and over the instrumental period are good. We calculate water isotope-climate relationships for many patterns of intrinsic as well as for forced variability relevant to the Holocene, and show that in general calibrations depend on the nature of the climate change. Specifically, we examine relationships between isotopes in precipitation and local temperatures and precipitation amounts in the principal ice coring regions (Greenland, Antarctica and the tropical Andes) and the seawater isotope-salinity gradients in the ocean. We suggest that isotope-based climate reconstructions based on spatial patterns and non-local calibrations will be more robust than interpretations based on local relationships.

Export citation: [ BibTeX ] [ RIS ]

BibTeX Citation

@article{sc01300e,
  author={Schmidt, G. A. and LeGrande, A. N. and Hoffmann, G.},
  title={Water isotope expressions of intrinsic and forced variability in a coupled ocean-atmosphere model},
  year={2007},
  journal={J. Geophys. Res.},
  volume={112},
  pages={D10103},
  doi={10.1029/2006JD007781},
}

[ Close ]

RIS Citation

TY  - JOUR
ID  - sc01300e
AU  - Schmidt, G. A.
AU  - LeGrande, A. N.
AU  - Hoffmann, G.
PY  - 2007
TI  - Water isotope expressions of intrinsic and forced variability in a coupled ocean-atmosphere model
JA  - J. Geophys. Res.
VL  - 112
SP  - D10103
DO  - 10.1029/2006JD007781
ER  -

[ Close ]

• Return to 2007 Publications

• Return to Publications Homepage