Detected climate change signals in atmospheric circulation: mechanisms,
puzzles and opportunities
Abstract
The circulation response to climate change shapes regional climate and
extremes. We have moved into a new era where circulation signals have
been detected across many regions and seasons. The detected circulation
signals represent an exciting opportunity for improving our
understanding of dynamical mechanisms, testing our theories and reducing
uncertainties. They have also presented some puzzles that represent an
opportunity for better understanding the circulation response, its
contribution to climate extremes, interactions with cloud feedbacks, and
connection to thermodynamic discrepancies. The next decade or so is
likely to be a golden age for dynamics with many advances possible.