Detected climate change signals in atmospheric circulation: mechanisms, puzzles and opportunities

Abstract

The circulation response to climate change shapes regional climate and extremes. We have moved into a new era where circulation signals have been detected across many regions and seasons. The detected circulation signals represent an exciting opportunity for improving our understanding of dynamical mechanisms, testing our theories and reducing uncertainties. They have also presented some puzzles that represent an opportunity for better understanding the circulation response, its contribution to climate extremes, interactions with cloud feedbacks, and connection to thermodynamic discrepancies. The next decade or so is likely to be a golden age for dynamics with many advances possible.