Author
Christopher G. Piecuch
Other affiliations: University of Rhode Island
Bio: Christopher G. Piecuch is an academic researcher from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sea level & Tide gauge. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 66 publications receiving 1377 citations. Previous affiliations of Christopher G. Piecuch include University of Rhode Island.
Papers
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European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts1, University of Bristol2, National Space Institute3, Goddard Space Flight Center4, European Space Agency5, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration6, Goethe University Frankfurt7, University of South Florida8, University of Bremen9, Academia Sinica10, University of Texas at Austin11, Chinese Academy of Sciences12, University of New South Wales13, Trent University14, University of Siegen15, IFREMER16, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation17, California Institute of Technology18, University of Bonn19, University of Urbino20, Dresden University of Technology21, Old Dominion University22, University of Leeds23, ETH Zurich24, University of Grenoble25, University of Bern26, Northern Oklahoma College27, Australian National University28, University of Oslo29, University of Rennes30, University of the Balearic Islands31, University of Reading32, University of California, San Diego33, University of Ottawa34, University of California, Irvine35, University of Colorado Boulder36, University of Zurich37, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution38, Delft University of Technology39, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research40, Ohio State University41, University of Hamburg42, Utrecht University43, University of California44, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research45, University of Tasmania46, University of La Rochelle47
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present estimates of the altimetry-based global mean sea level (average variance of 3.1 +/- 0.3 mm/yr and acceleration of 0.1 mm/r2 over 1993-present), as well as of the different components of the sea level budget over 2005-present, using GRACE-based ocean mass estimates.
Abstract: Global mean sea level is an integral of changes occurring in the climate system in response to
unforced climate variability as well as natural and anthropogenic forcing factors. Its temporal
evolution allows detecting changes (e.g., acceleration) in one or more components. Study of
the sea level budget provides constraints on missing or poorly known contributions, such as
the unsurveyed deep ocean or the still uncertain land water component. In the context of the
World Climate Research Programme Grand Challenge entitled “Regional Sea Level and
Coastal Impacts”, an international effort involving the sea level community worldwide has
been recently initiated with the objective of assessing the various data sets used to estimate
components of the sea level budget during the altimetry era (1993 to present). These data sets
are based on the combination of a broad range of space-based and in situ observations, model
estimates and algorithms. Evaluating their quality, quantifying uncertainties and identifying
sources of discrepancies between component estimates is extremely useful for various
applications in climate research. This effort involves several tens of scientists from about fifty
research teams/institutions worldwide (www.wcrp-climate.org/grand-challenges/gc-sea-
level). The results presented in this paper are a synthesis of the first assessment performed
during 2017-2018. We present estimates of the altimetry-based global mean sea level (average
rate of 3.1 +/- 0.3 mm/yr and acceleration of 0.1 mm/yr2 over 1993-present), as well as of the
different components of the sea level budget (http://doi.org/10.17882/54854). We further
examine closure of the sea level budget, comparing the observed global mean sea level with
the sum of components. Ocean thermal expansion, glaciers, Greenland and Antarctica
contribute by 42%, 21%, 15% and 8% to the global mean sea level over the 1993-present. We
also study the sea level budget over 2005-present, using GRACE-based ocean mass estimates
instead of sum of individual mass components. Results show closure of the sea level budget
within 0.3 mm/yr. Substantial uncertainty remains for the land water storage component, as
shown in examining individual mass contributions to sea level.
338 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an improved hybrid sea-level reconstruction during 1900-2015 that combines previous techniques at time scales where they perform best, finding a persistent acceleration in GMSL since the 1960s and demonstrate that this is largely associated with sea-layer changes in the Indo-Pacific and South Atlantic.
Abstract: Previous studies reconstructed twentieth-century global mean sea level (GMSL) from sparse tide-gauge records to understand whether the recent high rates obtained from satellite altimetry are part of a longer-term acceleration. However, these analyses used techniques that can only accurately capture either the trend or the variability in GMSL, but not both. Here we present an improved hybrid sea-level reconstruction during 1900–2015 that combines previous techniques at time scales where they perform best. We find a persistent acceleration in GMSL since the 1960s and demonstrate that this is largely (~76%) associated with sea-level changes in the Indo-Pacific and South Atlantic. We show that the initiation of the acceleration in the 1960s is tightly linked to an intensification and a basin-scale equatorward shift of Southern Hemispheric westerlies, leading to increased ocean heat uptake, and hence greater rates of GMSL rise, through changes in the circulation of the Southern Ocean. Satellite altimetry shows global mean sea-level rise acceleration; however, sparse tide-gauge data limit understanding of the longer-term trend. A hybrid method of reconstruction for 1900–2015 shows acceleration since the 1960s, linked to increases and shifts in Southern Hemisphere westerly winds.
185 citations
National Oceanography Centre1, University of Cape Town2, University of Hamburg3, University of Southampton4, National Scientific and Technical Research Council5, Scottish Association for Marine Science6, National Center for Atmospheric Research7, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration8, University of Rhode Island9, University of Miami10, University of Texas at Austin11, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton12, Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences13, Met Office14, University of California, San Diego15, Duke University16, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory17, Centre national de la recherche scientifique18, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution19, University of Bremen20, Massachusetts Institute of Technology21, Maynooth University22, École Polytechnique23
TL;DR: The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is one of the major sources of energy and carbon flux in the North Atlantic Ocean as mentioned in this paper, and it has been extensively studied in the literature.
Abstract: The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) extends from the Southern Ocean to the northern North Atlantic, transporting heat northwards throughout the South and North Atlantic, and sinking carbon and nutrients into the deep ocean. Climate models indicate that changes to the AMOC both herald and drive climate shifts. Intensive trans-basin AMOC observational systems have been put in place to continuously monitor meridional volume transport variability, and in some cases, heat, freshwater and carbon transport. These observational programs have been used to diagnose the magnitude and origins of transport variability, and to investigate impacts of variability on essential climate variables such as sea surface temperature, ocean heat content and coastal sea level. AMOC observing approaches vary between the different systems, ranging from trans-basin arrays (OSNAP, RAPID 26°N, 11°S, SAMBA 34.5°S) to arrays concentrating on western boundaries (e.g., RAPID WAVE, MOVE 16°N). In this paper, we outline the different approaches (aims, strengths and limitations) and summarize the key results to date. We also discuss alternate approaches for capturing AMOC variability including direct estimates (e.g., using sea level, bottom pressure, and hydrography from autonomous profiling floats), indirect estimates applying budgetary approaches, state estimates or ocean reanalyses, and proxies. Based on the existing observations and their results, and the potential of new observational and formal synthesis approaches, we make suggestions as to how to evaluate a comprehensive, future-proof observational network of the AMOC to deepen our understanding of the AMOC and its role in global climate.
110 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a physically consistent, observationally constrained global ocean state estimate covering 1992-2015 was used to study the recent trend reversal in the subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA) ocean heat content (OHC).
Abstract: The subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA) is subject to strong decadal variability, with implications for surface climate and its predictability. In 2004–2005, SPNA decadal upper ocean and sea-surface temperature trends reversed from warming during 1994–2004 to cooling over 2005–2015. This recent decadal trend reversal in SPNA ocean heat content (OHC) is studied using a physically consistent, observationally constrained global ocean state estimate covering 1992–2015. The estimate's physical consistency facilitates quantitative causal attribution of ocean variations. Closed heat budget diagnostics reveal that the SPNA OHC trend reversal is the result of heat advection by midlatitude ocean circulation. Kinematic decompositions reveal that changes in the deep and intermediate vertical overturning circulation cannot account for the trend reversal, but rather ocean heat transports by horizontal gyre circulations render the primary contributions. The shift in horizontal gyre advection reflects anomalous circulation acting on the mean temperature gradients. Maximum covariance analysis (MCA) reveals strong covariation between the anomalous horizontal gyre circulation and variations in the local wind stress curl, suggestive of a Sverdrup response. Results have implications for decadal predictability.
78 citations
California Institute of Technology1, University of Colorado Boulder2, University of Texas at Austin3, Portland State University4, University of Washington5, University of Alaska Fairbanks6, Goddard Space Flight Center7, University of Nevada, Reno8, University of South Florida St. Petersburg9, University at Buffalo10, University of Maryland, College Park11, University of Massachusetts Amherst12, National Center for Atmospheric Research13, Michigan State University14, Rutgers University15, University of California, Berkeley16, University of California, San Diego17, Harvard University18, University of California, Irvine19, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution20, Arizona State University21, Silver Spring Networks22, NASA Headquarters23, University of Central Florida24
TL;DR: An overview of the current state of understanding of the processes that cause regional sea-level change is provided and areas where the lack of understanding or gaps in knowledge inhibit the ability to provide the needed information for comprehensive planning efforts are identified.
Abstract: Global sea level provides an important indicator of the state of the warming climate, but changes in regional sea level are most relevant for coastal communities around the world. With improvements to the sea-level observing system, the knowledge of regional sea-level change has advanced dramatically in recent years. Satellite measurements coupled with in situ observations have allowed for comprehensive study and improved understanding of the diverse set of drivers that lead to variations in sea level in space and time. Despite the advances, gaps in the understanding of contemporary sea-level change remain and inhibit the ability to predict how the relevant processes may lead to future change. These gaps arise in part due to the complexity of the linkages between the drivers of sea-level change. Here we review the individual processes which lead to sea-level change and then describe how they combine and vary regionally. The intent of the paper is to provide an overview of the current state of understanding of the processes that cause regional sea-level change and to identify and discuss limitations and uncertainty in our understanding of these processes. Areas where the lack of understanding or gaps in knowledge inhibit the ability to provide the needed information for comprehensive planning efforts are of particular focus. Finally, a goal of this paper is to highlight the role of the expanded sea-level observation network-particularly as related to satellite observations-in the improved scientific understanding of the contributors to regional sea-level change.
77 citations
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Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a document, redatto, voted and pubblicato by the Ipcc -Comitato intergovernativo sui cambiamenti climatici - illustra la sintesi delle ricerche svolte su questo tema rilevante.
Abstract: Cause, conseguenze e strategie di mitigazione Proponiamo il primo di una serie di articoli in cui affronteremo l’attuale problema dei mutamenti climatici. Presentiamo il documento redatto, votato e pubblicato dall’Ipcc - Comitato intergovernativo sui cambiamenti climatici - che illustra la sintesi delle ricerche svolte su questo tema rilevante.
4,187 citations
01 Aug 1993
TL;DR: One-dimensional Bose-gas One-dimensional Heisenberg magnet Massive Thirring model Classical r-matrix Fundamentals of inverse scattering method Algebraic Bethe ansatz Quantum field theory integral models on a lattice Theory of scalar products Form factors Mean value of operator Q Assymptotics of correlation functions Temperature correlation functions Appendices References as discussed by the authors
Abstract: One-dimensional Bose-gas One-dimensional Heisenberg magnet Massive Thirring model Classical r-matrix Fundamentals of inverse scattering method Algebraic Bethe ansatz Quantum field theory integral models on a lattice Theory of scalar products Form factors Mean value of operator Q Assymptotics of correlation functions Temperature correlation functions Appendices References.
1,491 citations
National Center for Atmospheric Research1, University of Colorado Boulder2, Utrecht University3, Brown University4, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences5, University of Toronto6, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee7, University of California, Irvine8, Columbia University9, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory10
TL;DR: The Community Earth System Model Version 2 (CESM2) as discussed by the authors is the most recent version of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMEI) coupled model.
Abstract: An overview of the Community Earth System Model Version 2 (CESM2) is provided, including a discussion of the challenges encountered during its development and how they were addressed. In addition, an evaluation of a pair of CESM2 long preindustrial control and historical ensemble simulations is presented. These simulations were performed using the nominal 1° horizontal resolution configuration of the coupled model with both the “low-top” (40 km, with limited chemistry) and “high-top” (130 km, with comprehensive chemistry) versions of the atmospheric component. CESM2 contains many substantial science and infrastructure improvements and new capabilities since its previous major release, CESM1, resulting in improved historical simulations in comparison to CESM1 and available observations. These include major reductions in low-latitude precipitation and shortwave cloud forcing biases; better representation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation; better El Nino-Southern Oscillation-related teleconnections; and a global land carbon accumulation trend that agrees well with observationally based estimates. Most tropospheric and surface features of the low- and high-top simulations are very similar to each other, so these improvements are present in both configurations. CESM2 has an equilibrium climate sensitivity of 5.1–5.3 °C, larger than in CESM1, primarily due to a combination of relatively small changes to cloud microphysics and boundary layer parameters. In contrast, CESM2's transient climate response of 1.9–2.0 °C is comparable to that of CESM1. The model outputs from these and many other simulations are available to the research community, and they represent CESM2's contributions to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6.
884 citations
14 Jun 2019
TL;DR: In this paper, Abd Elgawad et al. discuss the sea level rise and its implications for low lying islands, coastlines and communities in the Middle East and Asia.
Abstract: Do Not Cite, Quote or Distribute 4-1 Total pages: 139 1 Chapter 4: Sea Level Rise and Implications for Low Lying Islands, Coasts and Communities 2 3 Coordinating Lead Authors: Michael Oppenheimer (USA), Bruce Glavovic (New Zealand), Tuhin Ghosh 4 (India) 5 6 Lead Authors: Amro Abd-Elgawad (Egypt), Rongshuo Cai (China), Miguel Cifuentes-Jara (Costa Rica), 7 Rob Deconto (USA), John Hay (Cook Islands), Jochen Hinkel (Germany), Federico Isla (Argentina), 8 Alexandre K. Magnan (France), Ben Marzeion (Germany), Benoit Meyssignac (France), Zita Sebesvari 9 (Hungary), AJ Smit (South Africa), Roderik van de Wal (Netherlands) 10 11 Contributing Authors: Maya Buchanan (USA), Gonéri Le Cozannet (France), Catia Domingues 12 (Australia), Virginie Duvat (France), Tamsin Edwards (UK), Miguel D. Fortes (Philippines), Thomas 13 Frederikse (Netherlands), Jean-Pierre Gattuso (France), Robert Kopp (USA), Erwin Lambert (Netherlands), 14 Elizabeth McLeod (USA), Mark Merrifield (USA), Siddharth Narayan (US), Robert J. Nicholls (UK), 15 Fabrice Renaud (UK), Jonathan Simm (UK), Jon Woodruff (USA), Poh Poh Wong (Singapore), Siyuan Xian 16 (USA) 17 18 Review Editors: Ayako Abe-Ouchi (Japan), Kapil Gupta (India), Joy Pereira (Malaysia) 19 20 Chapter Scientist Maya Buchanan (USA) 21 22 Date of Draft: 20 April 2018 23 24 Notes: TSU Compiled Version 25 26
529 citations
479 citations