Abrupt circulation changes in the tropical atmosphere
Orateur : Corentin Herbert
Abstract : A crucial point in the public debate about global warming is the existence of “tipping points”, i.e. bifurcations potentially leading to abrupt climate change. Paleoclimate records suggest that such events have occurred in Earth’s past, on timescales which do not exceed a decade. Yet, it remains virtually unknown whether the large-scale atmospheric circulation (the fastest component of the climate system) may undergo such transitions.
In this talk I will discuss the possibility of abrupt changes of the circulation of the tropical atmosphere : specifically, the reversal of the mean zonal winds (superrotation) and the collapse of the meridional circulation (Hadley cell). I will discuss theoretical mechanisms, based in particular on Rossby wave resonance, and their relevance for the Earth using numerical simulations across a hierarchy of models of increasing complexity.
Date et lieu : Vendredi 19/11 à 11h00, Salle de séminaire IRPHE.
Le port du masque est obligatoire. Le nombre de personnes dans la salle doit être inférieur à 65% de la capacité, soit environ 50 personnes.
Voir en ligne : plus d’information concernant l’orateur