Statistical downscaling of temperature, radiation and potential evapotranspiration to produce a multiple GCM ensemble mean for a selection of sites in Ireland

Authors

  • Rowan Fealy NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare
  • John Sweeney NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2008.107

Abstract

Irish climate is experiencing changes which have been found to be consistent with those occurring at a global scale. Consequently there is now growing confidence that these changes are largely attributable to global warming. Based on the data from four long-term monitoring, synoptic stations, between 1890 and 2004, mean annual temperatures in Ireland rose by 0.7°C. In the absence of strict emissions controls, a doubling of global atmospheric concentrations of CO2 is likely by the end of the twenty-first century. As a consequence, global temperatures are projected to increase by between 1.8°C and 4°C over the same period depending on the climate sensitivity to increased levels of greenhouse gases. In order to determine the likely impact on Irish temperatures and related climatic variables, this paper illustrates a technique for downscaling Global Climate Model (GCM) output for a selection of sites in Ireland. Results of a weighted ensemble mean, derived from multiple GCMs, are presented in an attempt to address some of the various uncertainties inherent in climate modelling. Projected changes in selected indices of temperature extremes are also presented for a high emissions scenario (A2), as changes in extremes are likely to have a larger and more immediate impact on human society than changes in the mean climate state.

Author Biographies

Rowan Fealy, NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Department of Geography

John Sweeney, NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Department of Geography

Published

2014-04-15

How to Cite

Fealy, R., & Sweeney, J. (2014). Statistical downscaling of temperature, radiation and potential evapotranspiration to produce a multiple GCM ensemble mean for a selection of sites in Ireland. Irish Geography, 41(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2008.107

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