Climate change may be both gradual and abrupt (occurring over a short period of years). This presentation will address (1) the identification of abrupt climate regime shifts and their associated phenomena, (2) potential forcing mechanisms for abrupt climate changes and possible (3) impacts of abrupt change on ecosystems. The in-situ data sets, reanalysis products and satellite data sets are the basis for the materials presented. A short summary of previous work and recent materials across identified abrupt climate shifts and their potential forcing mechanisms will be discussed. Abrupt climate change will be addressed from a simple atmosphere, ocean, and ecosystem approach.


Visit Coordinator: Gary Jedlovec (NASA/MSFC)