Changes in winter cyclone frequencies and strengths in transient enhanced greenhouse warming simulations using two coupled climate models

Abstract

Changes in winter cyclone frequencies and strengths resulting from global warming are examined in an ensemble of 250-year transient enhanced greenhouse warming simulations using two versions of the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis (CCCma) coupled general circulation model. Over the course of the integrations, there is a general decrease in the number of cyclone events in both the northern and the southern hemispheres. Although the total number of cyclone events decreases, the number of intense events in both hemispheres increases. The relation between the low-level temperature field and the total number of events as well as the relation between precipitation and intense events are discussed. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.