PCMDI > WCRP CMIP3 Model Output > Diagnostic Subprojects

PI:	Wenju Cai
Institution:	Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Additional Investigators:	Tim Cowan
Abstract:
Our aim is to compare multiple IPCC model simulations of the 20th Century Climate in the Southern Hemisphere with observations and NCEP2 re-analysis. We are investigating the trends in wind stress, mean-sea level pressure and rainfall, with the intention of studying to what effect ozone depletion has on the large scale variability, e.g. the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). We are also looking at the impacts on oceanic circulation in the Southern Ocean. Model data used (monthly): - Wind stress (tau_x, tau_y) - Rainfall - Mean-sea level pressure - Potential temperature - Barotropic streamfunction
Publications:
Cai W., Sullivan A., and T. Cowan, 2008: Shoaling of the off-equatorial south Indian Ocean thermocline: Is it driven by anthropogenic forcing?. Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, doi:10.1029/2008GL034174. Abstract. Full Article. Edit. Cai, W, and T. Cowan, 2006: SAM and regional rainfall in IPCC AR4 models: Can anthropogenic forcing account for southwest Western Australian winter rainfall reduction?. Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, L24708, doi:10.1029/2006GL028037. Abstract. Full Article. Edit. Cai, W., A. Sullivan, and T. Cowan, Rainfall teleconnections with Indo-Pacific variability in the IPCC AR4 models. J. Climate. Submitted. Abstract. Edit. Cai, W., and T. Cowan, 2007: Trends in Southern Hemisphere Circulation in IPCC AR4 Models over 1950–99: Ozone Depletion versus Greenhouse Forcing. J. Clim, 20, 681-693, DOI: 10.1175/JCLI4028.1. Abstract. Full Article. Edit. Cai, W., T. Cowan, M. Dix, L. Rotstayn, J. Ribbe, G. Shi, and S. Wijffels, 2007: Anthropogenic aerosol forcing and the structure of temperature trends in the southern Indian Ocean. Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L14611, doi:10.1029/2007GL030380. Abstract. Full Article. Edit. Add Publication

IPCC Model Simulations of 20th Century Climate over the Southern Hemisphere