MODELLING CLIMATES OF THE LATE PALAEOZOIC

Abstract

Climate models are comprehensive tools for studying Earth's past, present and future climate conditions. A spectrum of climate models is described with special focus on three-dimensional coupled atmosphere, ocean, land and cryosphere models. At present, these are the most sophisticated models to look at Earth's climate. Three time periods of the Late Palaeozoic are considered: the Carboniferous, the middle Permian and the latest Permian. Modelling the climate of these periods is reviewed to illustrate how models are applied to understanding past climates. Finally, the future development of climate modelling of the Late Palaeozoic is discussed.