A GCM study of Antarctic glaciation

An atmospheric general circulation model, the NCAR CCM, has been used to investigate the possible effects of two specific tectonic mechanisms on Antarctic glaciation. These mechanisms are: closing the Drake Passage (connecting South America with Antarctica), which is assumed to effectively represent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Climate dynamics 1989-03, Vol.3 (3), p.135-156
Main Author: OGLESBY, R. J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Climatology. Bioclimatology. Climate change
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Meteorology
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Summary:An atmospheric general circulation model, the NCAR CCM, has been used to investigate the possible effects of two specific tectonic mechanisms on Antarctic glaciation. These mechanisms are: closing the Drake Passage (connecting South America with Antarctica), which is assumed to effectively represent an increased meridional heat transport by the ocean; and changing the elevation of Antarctica. Perpetual season (summer and winter) and seasonal cycle simulations with warmer sea-surface temperatures and no sea ice prescribed for mid- to high-latitude Southern Oceans have been made with both present-day (high) Antarctic elevations and with low Antarctic elevations (all points below 200 m). The results suggest a relatively minor role for oceanic heat transport in the formation or elimination of Antarctic glaciation. That is, under the warmer conditions inferred to have prevailed prior to the opening of the Drake Passage, conditions would still have been favorable for the maintenance of an Antarctic ice-sheet. If anything, a moderate ocean warming would promote glaciation, by increasing snowfall. Lowering the elevation of Antarctica has a larger effect on the model simulations, reducing the likelihood of glacial conditions.
ISSN:0930-7575
1432-0894
DOI:10.1007/BF01080365