Polar amplification
Polar amplification is the observation that "Climate models generally predict amplified warming in polar regions" due to climate feedbacks.[1]
Although the most simple climate models predict warming at both poles, the Antarctic has not warmed as much as the Arctic, and many modern climate models predict this divergence.[citation needed]
According to the IPCC 4AR: "In contrast to the unanimity of the models in predicting a north-polar amplification of warming, there are differences among the model projections concerning polar amplification in Antarctica, especially over the continent."
The question of whether or not observed Antarctic climate is consistent with climate model predictions has taken on political overtones and become a point of controversy in debates over anthropogenic climate change. (See Antarctica cooling controversy).
References
- ^ Doran, Peter T.; Priscu, John C.; Lyons, W. Berry; Walsh, John E.; Fountain, Andrew G.; McKnight, Diane M.; Moorhead, DL; Virginia, RA; Wall, DH (31 January 2002). "Antarctic climate cooling and terrestrial ecosystem response". Nature. 415 (6871): 517–20. doi:10.1038/nature710. PMID 11793010.