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Paleoclimate Research Group
Using a hierarchy of climate models with varying degrees of complexity,
this project will explore the physical and chemical processes that
control past changes of climate, ice sheet extent and oceanic circulation.
It also validates climate models based upon the simulation of the
climates of geological past such as the last glacial maximum and
the late Cretaceous period.
The emphasis of this project is also on the quantitative assessment
of the astronomical theory of glacial/interglacial fluctuation of
global climate during the Quaternary. Using coupled or uncoupled
ocean-atmosphere-continental ice sheet models of varying degrees
of complexity, this project inquires why the changes of EarthÕs
orbit around the Sun had an enormous impact upon the fluctuation
of ice volume and global climate. In addition, this project will
attempt to project future changes in Greenland and Antarctic ice
sheets associated with global warming.
These studies are conducted in close collaboration with the Center
for Climate System Research (CCSR) of the University of Tokyo.
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