Climate modelling is an important tool to help scientists understand how the world’s climate will vary based on changing atmospheric conditions, in particular increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Climate models are mathematical models, which employ the use of equations derived from the basic laws of conservation; mass, heat, momentum, water and other gaseous aerosol materials. These differential equations are interrelated and need to be solved concurrently for a multitude of points in space and time, making climate modelling complex and computationally intensive. As computing power and our level of understanding have increased, more atmospheric variables have been incorporated into climate models, including cloud microphysics and planetary boundary layer effects, enabling highly accurate simulations of atmospheric conditions.
General circulation models provide simulations for the entire globe however some of the most interesting developments in climate modelling involve the use of statistical downscaling techniques to provide detailed simulations for specific regions. Through the use of regional climate models, scientists hope to understand the different ways that a shifting climate will affect local communities, especially with respect to agriculture in already marginal farming locations.
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