Detailed three-dimensional numerical models of the atmosphere, coupled as necessary to models of other parts of the climatic system, provide the most promising approach to understanding the physical basis of climate. Models of this kind can be used to investigate the impact of anthropogenic pollution on climate. At the present time, the main concern is with increasing concentrations of CO2 which might lead to overall warming of the troposphere, but chemical and thermal pollution may also pose a threat. The possible climatic changes would take place slowly and would involve the response of the slowly reacting parts of the climatic system, particularly the oceans. The problem of how to simulate such changes of climate presents many difficulties, which are currently being studied.
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Gilchrist, A. Numerical simulation of climate and climatic change. Nature 276, 342–345 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/276342a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/276342a0
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