Shields, Christine A., Kiehl, Jeffrey T.

Geophysical Research Letters

Published date January 6, 2017

Simulating the Pineapple Express in the half degree Community Climate System Model, CCSM4

  • Diagnoses Community Climate System Model (CCSM4) high-resolution ensemble simulations for the twentieth and 21st centuries to identify the Pineapple Express (PE)
  • Analysis of the twentieth century simulations indicated that the CCSM4 accurately captures the spatial and temporal climatology of the PE
  • Analysis of the end 21st century simulations indicates a significant increase in storm duration and intensity of precipitation associated with landfall of the PE
  • Finds that only a modest increase in the number of atmospheric rivers of a few percent is projected for the end of 21st century