Antarctic climate change and the environment

ACCE CONSORTIUM, Peter Convey, R. Bindschadler, Guido Di Prisco, E. Fahrbach, J. Gutt, D. A. Hodgson, P. A. Mayewski, C. P. Summerhayes, J. Turner, Nerilie Abram, Byron Adams, David Ainley, John Anderson, Todd Arbetter, Rob Arthern, Angus Atkinson, Carlo Barbante, Roberto Bargagli, Luca BargelloniDave Barnes, Peter Barrett, Mike Bentley, Dana Bergstrom, Nancy Bertler, Bob Bindschadler, James Bockheim, Greg Bodeker, Laurent Bopp, Claude Boutron, Tom Bracegirdle, David Bromwich, Steven Chown, Andy Clarke, Joey Comiso, Peter Convey, Alison Cook, Alistair Crame, Xavier Crosta, Mark Curran, Guido Di Prisco, Eberhard Fahrbach, Jim Fastook, Andrew Fleming, Jaume Forcada, Jane Francis, Yves Frenot, Josep Maria Gili, Adrian Jenkins, Anna Jones, Sharon Robinson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

197 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Antarctic climate system varies on timescales from orbital, through millennial to sub-annual, and is closely coupled to other parts of the global climate system. We review these variations from the perspective of the geological and glaciological records and the recent historical period from which we have instrumental data (∼ the last 50 years). We consider their consequences for the biosphere, and show how the latest numerical models project changes into the future, taking into account human actions in the form of the release of greenhouse gases and chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere. In doing so, we provide an essential Southern Hemisphere companion to the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)541-563
Number of pages23
JournalAntarctic Science
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antarctica
  • Biology
  • Environmental change
  • Geology
  • Glaciology
  • Southern Ocean

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