Time-Dependent Global Energy Modeling

Abstract

A time-dependent model equation of the energy balance of the earth-atmosphere-ocean is derived. A numerical solution to this basic energy equation is formulated. The earth is divided into 10° latitudinal belts with a corresponding sea level temperature for each belt, which is computed yearly. The radiation relationships and the turbulent exchange coefficients are basically the same as used by Sellers. A number of numerical experiments are performed with the conclusions that. 1) the heat capacity of the oceans play a dominant role in the model's transients; 2) the temperature of the polar latitudinal belts are very sensitive to changes in the temperate and equatorial zone; 3) future internal heat generation by man may cause substantial changes; and 4) with the present method of solution the double solution for the temperature found by Sellers does not exist.