A stability theorem for energy-balance climate models.

Abstract

Treats the stability of steady-state solutions of some simple, latitude-dependant, energy-balance climate models. For north-south symetric solutions of models with an ice-cap-type albedo feedback, and for the sum of horizontal transport and infrared radiation given by a linear operator, it is possible to prove a 'slope-stability' theorem; i.e., if the local slope of the steady-state iceline latitude versus solar constant curve is positive (negative) the steady-state solution is stable (unstable). Certain rather weak restrictions on the albedo function and on the heat transport are required for the proof, and their physical basis is discussed in the text. - from Authors