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www.clim-past-discuss.net/6/1551/2010/
doi:10.5194/cpd-6-1551-2010
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Greenland Ice Sheet model parameters constrained using simulations of the Eemian Interglacial
1Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany
2University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
Abstract. Using a new approach to force an ice sheet model, we performed an ensemble of simulations of the Greenland Ice Sheet evolution during the last two glacial cycles, with emphasis on the Eemian Interglacial. This ensemble was generated by perturbing four key parameters in the coupled regional climate – ice sheet model and by introducing additional uncertainty in the prescribed "background" climate change. Sensitivity of the surface melt model to climate change was determined to be the dominant driver of ice sheet instability, as reflected by simulated ice sheet loss during the Eemian Interglacial period. To eliminate unrealistic parameter combinations, constraints from present-day and paleo information were applied. The constraints include (i) the diagnosed present-day surface mass balance partition between surface melting and calving, (ii) the modeled present-day elevation at GRIP; and (iii) the modeled elevation reduction at GRIP during the Eemian. Using these three constraints, a total of 270 simulations with 90 different model realizations were filtered down to 47 simulations and 20 model realizations considered valid. The paleo constraint eliminated more sensitive melt parameter values, in agreement with the surface mass balance partition assumption. The constrained simulations result in a range of Eemian ice loss of 0.4–4.1 m sea level (m.s.l.) equivalent, with a more likely value of about 4.1 m.s.l. if the GRIP δ18O isotope record can be considered an accurate proxy for the precipitation-weighted annual mean temperatures.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 3584 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 3 Comments) Final Revised Paper (CP)
Notice on Discussion StatusCitation: Robinson, A., Calov, R., and Ganopolski, A.: Greenland Ice Sheet model parameters constrained using simulations of the Eemian Interglacial, Clim. Past Discuss., 6, 1551-1588, doi:10.5194/cpd-6-1551-2010, 2010. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
