|
Research: Terrestrial Processes
CCRC undertakes a major program in the parameterisation of terrestrial processes in regional and global climate models. The terrestrial system includes surface hydrology, river flow, soil processes, vegetation processes and snow.
Major challenges yet to be addressed include ground water and permafrost. Our interests include the improvement of existing models by enhancing the representation of biophysical processes. This is achieved using surface observations where possible.
We also explore the impact of terrestrial processes on the simulation of weather and climate. This is not merely the mean climate, we are interested in extremes and predictability. We are also interested in how changes in the nature of the land surface may affect regional and conceivable global climate. Issues relating to non-linear responses driven by surface processes on future climate - such as loss of terrestrial carbon due to global warming - are emerging priorities.
|
 |
The clean industrial revolution
So where does Australia’s economic future lie in this rapidly changing world? In this compelling book, climate scientist and economist Ben McNeil demonstrates the immense opportunities that will open up if Australia leads the new clean industrial revolution. |
More news...
Reading past climates to see the future
With the massive Antarctic Circumpolar Current circling the Southern Ocean, largely preventing north-south flow across it and thereby isolating Antarctica from the subtropics, many scientists believe the existence of the Southern Ocean acts to cool Antarctica.
But what other climate patterns might the Southern Ocean control?
Read more...
An addiction that fouls the air
Coal provides nearly 80 per cent of Australia's electricity needs. Not the US, Russia or even China has a bigger coal addiction, despite having vastly more coal reserves than Australia. The Australian Greenhouse Office says emissions from coal-dominated electricity generation rose 50 per cent between 1990 and 2004.
Read more...
Bali or bust
The Bali Climate Declaration has made the scientific view on emissions targets patently clear. It is now over to the policy makers to give the planet a decent future.
Read more...
The Big Engine: oceans and weather
Federation Fellow and 2008 Eureka Prize winner, Professor Matthew England of CCRC, on the latest research into the role oceans play on weather.
Read more...
|
