The researchers analysed the performance of the ACCESSS1 seasonal forecast model to predict the SPCZ position and rainfall over the period 1990-2012. ACCESSS1 performed better in simulating the SPCZ than the previous model, POAMA.
New study shows November-to-March precipitation (when rainy season peaks over most of the Southern Hemisphere land mass) was significantly reduced both in the Southern Hemisphere tropics and subtropics due to a weakening of the subtropical convergence zones during the mid-Pliocene Warm Period.
The past four months have produced a sequence of impressive papers that should significantly improve the modelling of precipitation and our capacity to better understand how it may change in the future.
CLEX researchers found that applying a statistical correction to projected sea surface temperatures has a major impact on changes to rainfall with global warming, leading to a 25% reduction in future precipitation projected for the south-western Pacific.