Polar amplification (PA) is a prominent feature of currently observed and predicted future climate change suggested by both observations and models. We will discuss several PA mechanisms and feedbacks in the ocean and the atmosphere suggested by different researchers and connect it to the real world observations. Surface albedo feedback (SAF) has been shown to contribute prominently to the currently observed PA along with other mechanisms, e.g. involving atmospheric heat transport. SAF is believed to be a strong positive local feedback, while atmospheric heat transport makes the connection between the Arctic and the low latitudes non-local. We will also discuss a more general method of feedback analysis that results in feedback and gain matrices.

Joint work with: Craig Jackson (Ohio Wesleyan University)

Webinar presented on Monday, February 22, 2016, 4pm EST

1. arctic
2. cryosphere
3. ice
4. MCRN Colloquium