The Monash Simple Climate Model experiments (MSCM-DB v1.0): an interactive database of mean climate, climate change, and scenario simulations

Abstract

Abstract. This study introduces the Monash Simple Climate Model (MSCM)\nexperiment database. The simulations are based on the Globally Resolved\nEnergy Balance (GREB) model to study three different aspects of climate model\nsimulations: (1)\xa0understanding processes that control the mean climate,\n(2)\xa0the response of the climate to a doubling of the CO2 \nconcentration, and (3)\xa0scenarios of external forcing ( CO2 \nconcentration and solar radiation). A series of sensitivity experiments in\nwhich elements of the climate system are turned off in various combinations\nare used to address (1) and (2). This database currently provides more than\n1300 experiments and has an online web interface for fast analysis and free\naccess to the data. We briefly outline the design of all experiments, give a\ndiscussion of some results, put the findings into the context of previously\npublished results from similar experiments, discuss the quality and\nlimitations of the MSCM experiments, and also give an outlook on possible\nfurther developments. The GREB model simulation is quite realistic, but the\nmodel without flux corrections has a root mean square error in the mean state\nof the surface temperature of about 10\u2009 ∘ C, which is larger than\nthose of general circulation models (2\u2009 ∘ C). It needs to be noted\nhere that the GREB model does not simulate circulation changes or changes in\ncloud cover (feedbacks). However, the MSCM experiments show good agreement to\npreviously published studies. Although GREB is a very simple model, it\ndelivers good first-order estimates, is very fast, highly accessible, and can\nbe used to quickly try many different sensitivity experiments or scenarios.\nIt builds a basis on which conceptual ideas can be tested to first order and\nit provides a null hypothesis for understanding complex climate interactions\nin the context of response to external forcing or interactions in the climate\nsubsystems.