Climate and the Climate System

Abstract

The climate and global climate system are reviewed in terms of the characteristic physical processes which operate within and between its atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric and land surface components. Together with conditions external to the system, these processes are responsible for both the maintenance and change of climate over time scales ranging from a season to geological epochs. The most critical aspects of climate simulation with either simplified or comprehensive models are identified as the parameterization of subgrid-scale processes, especially those involving convection, clouds and the surface boundary layer, and the coupling of the atmosphere and ocean. Further modelling and diagnostic research are seen as essential for an improved understanding of climate and its predictability.