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An additional model test of positive feedback from high desert albedo
Author(s) -
Ellsaesser H. W.,
Maccracken M. C.,
Potter G. L.,
Luther F. M.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
quarterly journal of the royal meteorological society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.744
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1477-870X
pISSN - 0035-9009
DOI - 10.1002/qj.49710243311
Subject(s) - albedo (alchemy) , desert (philosophy) , gcm transcription factors , atmosphere (unit) , precipitation , environmental science , climatology , atmospheric sciences , positive feedback , meteorology , general circulation model , geology , geography , climate change , engineering , art , philosophy , oceanography , epistemology , performance art , electrical engineering , art history
Charney's (1975) suggestion that high desert albedo initiates a biogeophysical positive feedback response by the atmosphere has been tested in the 2‐D zonal atmospheric model, ZAM2. The results agree with the earlier test in the NASA GISS 3‐D GCM model (Charney et al. 1975) in confirming a positive feedback through precipitation but indicate a negative feedback in terms of temperature. The latter suggests that tropical deserts may play a role in air conditioning or placing an upper‐bound on the temperature of our planet.