A group of Chinese scientists has developed a groundbreaking global ocean circulation model with an astonishing horizontal resolution of just one kilometer. This advancement promises to enhance climate predictions and deepen our understanding of extreme weather events.
The oceans play a vital role in our planet’s climate system. They absorb over 90% of the additional heat from global warming and more than 30% of human-produced carbon dioxide emissions. Accurately modeling ocean processes is key to predicting climate changes.
Until now, simulating small-scale ocean processes like eddies and fronts—which can be as small as a few kilometers across—has been challenging. These ‘mesoscale’ and ‘sub-mesoscale’ phenomena are crucial because they affect how heat and substances like carbon are transported around the globe.
The new global ocean circulation model, called LICOMK++, was developed by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Laoshan Laboratory. It’s like having a ‘microscope’ to examine the ocean, allowing scientists to capture complex dynamics in unprecedented detail.
By directly simulating these fine-scale processes, the model can improve predictions of extreme weather events such as marine heatwaves, typhoons, and heavy rainfall. This tool provides essential support for global climate governance and efforts toward sustainable development.
This advancement not only enhances our ability to predict climate patterns but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global climate challenges.
