International policy implications of abrupt climate change scenarios
Conference
·
OSTI ID:577308
New theoretical and empirical evidence supports the view that in the recent past [Holocene] abrupt climate changes occurred over very short [decadal] time periods. One leading possibility of future changes involves the North Atlantic Ocean conveyor that transfers warm surface waters from the equator to northern latitudes and helps maintain Europe`s climate. The predicted abrupt climate change scenario theorizes that the conveyor may be modified as a result of disruption of the thermohaline circulation driving North, Atlantic Deep Water. This would lead, the theory contends, to a rapid cooling of Europe`s climate. In light of the EPCC`s 1995 Second Assessment Report conclusion that there is a {open_quotes}discernible{close_quotes} human influence on the global climate system, there are many emerging questions concerning possible abrupt climate change scenarios.
- OSTI ID:
- 577308
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970522--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
The hierarchical structure of glacial climatic oscillations: Interactions between ice-sheet dynamics and climate
Fossil-pollen evidence for abrupt climate changes during the past 18,000 years in eastern North America
Can ice sheets trigger abrupt climatic change?
Journal Article
·
Fri Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1995
· Climate Dynamics
·
OSTI ID:285030
Fossil-pollen evidence for abrupt climate changes during the past 18,000 years in eastern North America
Journal Article
·
Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1991
· Climate Dynamics
·
OSTI ID:181937
Can ice sheets trigger abrupt climatic change?
Journal Article
·
Thu Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1996
· Arctic and Alpine Research
·
OSTI ID:471503