The Pacific may hold a climate clue models still cannot agree on
Atmospheric scientists are struggling to reconcile climate models with real-world observations regarding the Hadley circulation in the Southern Hemisphere. While models predict a weakening of the loop due to climate change, actual data shows a strengthening, suggesting complex natural variables are at play.
Why it matters
Understanding the Hadley circulation is vital for predicting global weather patterns and the expansion of deserts, which directly impacts climate change adaptation strategies.
It is tempting to think a hotter planet pushes its weather one way, and for the big trends the climate models mostly agree. One giant belt of tropical air, the Hadley circulation, breaks the pattern.
The article focuses on scientific uncertainty and the process of academic research without political bias.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in