Climate Dynamics

Abstract

Chapter 2 treats simple models of climate dynamics. It begins by describing radiative transfer in the atmosphere, with particular attention to the simple case of a grey, one-dimensional atmosphere. Following this, the convective temperature structure of the troposphere is discussed. The latter part of the chapter deals with energy balance models, in particular with a view to understanding ice age causes. This introduces successively the ice-albedo feedback mechanism, the carbon cycle in atmosphere and ocean, and the rôle of bicarbonate buffering in the ocean.