science activities

focus 2 regional climate dynamics

themes

Focus 2 is structured into 4 Themes. Three of the Themes are differentiated by their distinct temporal scope and associated temporal resolution. The fourth Theme is methodological in nature.

Themes:

> Last Glacial Cycle
Reconstructing the last glacial-interglacial transition, in particular rapid cooling events during deglaciation and early Holocene, towards understanding regional environmental dynamics associated with rapid climate change.

> Holocene
Towards understanding of regional climate responses to slowly varying changes in the climate system, and clarification of how climatic and environmental variability relate to solar and volcanic forcing, sea ice and ocean thermohaline circulation changes.

> Last 2 Millennia
Understanding of regional patterns, sensitivity and variability from regional climate reconstructions of the last 2 millennia. This is achieved through a network of regional working groups.

> Reconstruction Methods
Towards a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of reconstruction procedures to reduce uncertainties and biases, ultimately leading to a more accurate knowledge of past climate.