Publications

Influence of Arctic Sea Ice Loss in Autumn Compared to That in Winter on the Atmospheric Circulation

Publication ID: pub.1111913239

Publication date: 15/02/2019

Keywords: Albedo; Arctic; Autumn; Atmospheric Circulation; Eddy-driven Jets; Influence; Midlatitude; Model Experiments; North Atlantic Oscillation; Parameters; Precursor; Response; Sea Ice Loss; Winter

There is growing evidence that Arctic sea ice loss affects the large‐scale atmospheric circulation. Some studies suggest that reduced autumn sea ice may be a precursor to severe midlatitude winters. Here we use coupled ocean–atmosphere model experiments to investigate the extent to which the winter atmospheric circulation response to Arctic sea ice loss is driven […]

Acclimation and adaptation components of the temperature dependence of plant photosynthesis at the global scale

Publication ID: pub.1110974635

Publication date: 08/02/2019

Keywords: Acclimatization; Carbon Dioxide; Cell Respiration; Electron Transport; Global; Linear Models; Models, Biological; Photosynthesis; Plant Leaves; Plants; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase; Temperature

The temperature response of photosynthesis is one of the key factors determining predicted responses to warming in global vegetation models (GVMs). The response may vary geographically, owing to genetic adaptation to climate, and temporally, as a result of acclimation to changes in ambient temperature. Our goal was to develop a robust quantitative global model representing […]

Microplastics in marine mammals stranded around the British coast: ubiquitous but transitory?

Publication ID: pub.1111774385

Publication date: 31/01/2019

Keywords: Animals; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Microplastics; Plastics; UK

Plastic pollution represents a pervasive and increasing threat to marine ecosystems worldwide and there is a need to better understand the extent to which microplastics (

Complex networks reveal global pattern of extreme-rainfall teleconnections

Publication ID: pub.1111780046

Publication date: 30/01/2019

Keywords: Africa; Asia; Atmosphere; Climate Change; Disasters; Europe; Global; Human Activities; Internationality; North America; Rain; Satellite Communications

Climatic observables are often correlated across long spatial distances, and extreme events, such as heatwaves or floods, are typically assumed to be related to such teleconnections1,2. Revealing atmospheric teleconnection patterns and understanding their underlying mechanisms is of great importance for weather forecasting in general and extreme-event prediction in particular3,4, especially considering that the characteristics of […]

Towards operational predictions of the near-term climate

Publication ID: pub.1111375494

Publication date: 21/01/2019

Keywords: Challenges; Climate Adaptation; Climate Service; Gaps; Models; Near-term Climate Predictions (NTCP); Physical Mechanisms; Resilience; Scientific; Society; Timescales

Near-term climate predictions — which operate on annual to decadal timescales — offer benefits for climate adaptation and resilience, and are thus important for society. Although skilful near-term predictions are now possible, particularly when coupled models are initialized from the current climate state (most importantly from the ocean), several scientific challenges remain, including gaps in […]

What distinguishes data from models?

Publication ID: pub.1111430809

Publication date: 15/01/2019

Keywords: Big Data; Data Model; Data Processing; Empiricism; Experimentation; Inference; Phenomics; Plant Science; Research Practice

I propose a framework that explicates and distinguishes the epistemic roles of data and models within empirical inquiry through consideration of their use in scientific practice. After arguing that Suppes’ characterization of data models falls short in this respect, I discuss a case of data processing within exploratory research in plant phenotyping and use it […]