Results of a climate model for Triassic Pangaea.

Hay, William W., Thompson, S., Pollard, D., Wilson, K. M. and Wold, Christopher N. (1994) Results of a climate model for Triassic Pangaea. Open Access Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie / Teil 1, 1992 (11-12). pp. 1253-1264.

[thumbnail of 20170116125334.pdf]
Preview
Text
20170116125334.pdf - Reprinted Version

Download (8MB) | Preview

Abstract

We have used a new General Circulation Model, GENESIS Version
1.02, derived from the U. S. National Center for Atmospheric Research
Community Climate Model I (NCAR-CCM I) to simulate the climate of
an Earth with realistic Pangaean geography. The climate model was run
assuming that the ocean heat flux was similar to that of today, atmospheric
C02 content was four times that of today, the solar constant was
2 % less than today, and the Earth's orbit was circular, with mean obliquity
23.4°. Models were run for paleogeographies at 245 Ma (Scythian)
and 225 Ma (Carnian).
The results indicate that no ice cap would develop over the land, and
there is no permanent sea ice. The seasonal temperature Variation in the
interior of the continent is in the order of 50 °C. The Continental areas
are very dry except for a few Coastal areas and along uplifts. The models
both suggest an extreme seasonal monsoonal circulation, with strong
westerly winds parallel to the entire coast of Gondwana and the east
coast of Laurasia during the northern hemisphere summet. In both hemispheres,
the effect is to cause coastal upwelling. The model also predicts
permafrost in the deeper soil layers poleward of 50° N and S. The effects
of topographic uplifts on the atmospheric circulation are pervasive. Topography
strongly affects the monsoonal circulation causing major deviations
of the wind Systems suggested in model runs with idealized geographies.
Topography also plays a crucial role in concentrating rainfall in a few
small areas.
It is evident that in order to have a realistic Simulation of paleoclimate,
an accurate representation of the paleotopography is essential.
It is also evident that the paleoclimate models may be useful in suggesting
geological criteria that can confirm or reject the predicted paleoclimatic
conditions.

Document Type: Article
Keywords: climate model, Triassic, Pangaea
Research affiliation: OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB1 Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics > FB1-P-OZ Paleo-Oceanography
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: Schweizerbart
Date Deposited: 17 Jan 2017 10:09
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2018 13:10
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/35691

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item