Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2691
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2691
12 Aug 2025
 | 12 Aug 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD).

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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Alejandro Romero-Prieto, Camilla Mathison, and Chris Smith

Status: open (until 07 Oct 2025)

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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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