Home > Term: general circulation model (GCM)
general circulation model (GCM)
A global, three-dimensional computer model of the climate system which can be used to simulate human-induced climate change. GCMs are highly complex and they represent the effects of such factors as reflective and absorptive properties of atmospheric water vapor, greenhouse gas concentrations, clouds, annual and daily solar heating, ocean temperatures and ice boundaries. The most recent GCMs include global representations of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Industry/Domain: Natural environment
- Category: Climate change
- Government Agency: U.S. EPA
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