Evaluation of the Simulation of Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Coverages by Eleven Major Global Climate Models

摘要: Comparison of polar sea ice results from 11 major global climate models and satellite-derived observations for 1979-2004 reveals that each the is simulating seasonal cycles are phased at least approximately correctly in both hemispheres. Each also various key aspects observed cover distributions, such as winter not only throughout central Arctic basin but Hudson Bay, despite its relatively low latitudes. However, some simulate too much ice, others little (in cases varying depending on hemisphere and/or season), match better one season versus another. Several do noticeably Northern Hemisphere than Southern Hemisphere, does Hemisphere. In all monthly average extents to within +/-5.1 x 10(exp 6)sq km extent year; except averages +/-6.3 6) sq values. All properly a lack west Norway; however, most obtain absence immediately north Norway show, suggesting an under simulation North Atlantic Current. The spread averaged amongst model simulations greater greatest spring.