Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2691
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2691
12 Aug 2025
 | 12 Aug 2025

Review of climate simulation by simple climate models

Alejandro Romero-Prieto, Camilla Mathison, and Chris Smith

Abstract. Simple Climate Models (SCMs) are a key tool in climate research, enabling the rapid exploration of climate responses beyond the reach of more complex models and aiding in the estimation of future climate uncertainty. Over the past two decades, the number and diversity of SCMs have expanded considerably, increasing their use but also complicating efforts to understand differences in model structure and their implications. The reduced-complexity model intercomparison project (RCMIP) has begun to address this challenge by comparing output from a wide range of SCMs. However, the need for a systematic analysis of model structure remains. Here, we complement RCMIP’s work by systematically analysing the structure, components, and development histories of the 14 SCMs participating in RCMIP. We begin with a summary of the core principles underpinning SCM-based climate simulation, then review genealogy and design choices of each model. This synthesis provides a comprehensive reference for both developers and users, clarifying the diverse approaches within the SCM landscape and supporting informed use and further development of these models.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

07 Jan 2026
| Review and perspective paper
| Highlight paper
Review of climate simulation by Simple Climate Models
Alejandro Romero-Prieto, Camilla Mathison, and Chris Smith
Geosci. Model Dev., 19, 115–165, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-115-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-115-2026, 2026
Short summary Executive editor
Alejandro Romero-Prieto, Camilla Mathison, and Chris Smith

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2691', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 Sep 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Alejandro Romero-Prieto, 27 Nov 2025
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2691', Marcus Sarofim, 25 Sep 2025
    • AC3: 'Reply on CC1', Alejandro Romero-Prieto, 27 Nov 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2691', Paolo Giani, 24 Oct 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Alejandro Romero-Prieto, 27 Nov 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2691', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 Sep 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Alejandro Romero-Prieto, 27 Nov 2025
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2691', Marcus Sarofim, 25 Sep 2025
    • AC3: 'Reply on CC1', Alejandro Romero-Prieto, 27 Nov 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2691', Paolo Giani, 24 Oct 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Alejandro Romero-Prieto, 27 Nov 2025

Peer review completion

AR – Author's response | RR – Referee report | ED – Editor decision | EF – Editorial file upload
AR by Alejandro Romero-Prieto on behalf of the Authors (27 Nov 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (08 Dec 2025) by Paul Ullrich
ED: Publish as is (09 Dec 2025) by David Ham (Executive editor)
AR by Alejandro Romero-Prieto on behalf of the Authors (10 Dec 2025)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

07 Jan 2026
| Review and perspective paper
| Highlight paper
Review of climate simulation by Simple Climate Models
Alejandro Romero-Prieto, Camilla Mathison, and Chris Smith
Geosci. Model Dev., 19, 115–165, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-115-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-115-2026, 2026
Short summary Executive editor
Alejandro Romero-Prieto, Camilla Mathison, and Chris Smith
Alejandro Romero-Prieto, Camilla Mathison, and Chris Smith

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Short summary
Simple Climate Models (SCMs) are widely used tools to explore how Earth’s climate may change in the future. In recent decades, the number and types of SCMs have increased significantly, hindering efforts to understand cross-model differences. In this study, we provide an overview of the main principles guiding climate simulation by SCMs, as well as a description of most high-profile SCMs. This work offers a clear reference to support the informed use of these important tools.
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