Climate research includes the study of Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets, along with their interactions with life. The field draws upon a wide range of methods, from examining ancient ice cores to measuring carbon exchanges and tracking the movement of species. It can be used to explain how Earth’s complex interconnected systems work, why they are changing and how they might evolve in the future.
PNNL researchers use their knowledge of how the various parts of Earth’s system function to create computer models that represent how climate changes over time. These models rely on mathematical equations to describe everything from the way winds blow to how sea ice reflects sunlight and how forests absorb carbon dioxide. These simulations require a tremendous amount of computing power to run, so they must be carefully tuned. Scientists strive for accurate representation of each part of the Earth system, but they cannot achieve the precision of actual measurements. Achieving this goal is what defines a scientific model, and it’s this accuracy that allows the models to produce projections of future outcomes and insight into the dynamics of the system.
Scientists’ ability to use these models to understand how the Earth works enables them to predict changes that might occur over time and explore how different environmental factors might affect those changes. The findings of climate science help drive critical momentum behind efforts to avoid the worst effects of climate change, such as international agreements to cut greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable technologies. They also inform community responses to climate challenges, including the development of adaptation strategies that are effective and culturally relevant.