A simple, zonally and vertically averaged energy-balance climate model links how sunlight is absorbed, how albedo changes with temperature, and how heat moves across the planet.
It uses a single surface temperature variable and treats diffusion of heat as both nonlinear and linear, with the goal of exploring possible climates.
This book explains the physical principles behind the model, the assumptions involved, and how the equations are turned into a tractable numerical problem. It also compares different versions of the model and shows how altering parameters like solar radiation or albedo can change the outcomes. The discussion blends analytical methods with computer experiments to investigate steady states and their stability.
What you’ll experience
- A clear description of how the model is set up, including the roles of incoming solar radiation, albedo, and heat redistribution
- An introduction to the concept of steady-state climates and how stability is tested
- Step-by-step discussions of how the mathematics translates into physical climates, such as warm, ice-free conditions or ice-covered scenarios
- A look at how small changes in forcing can influence the number and type of possible climates
Ideal for readers interested in climate theory and mathematical modeling, especially those who want a grounded, tractable approach to energy-balance ideas.