Issues related to the use of one-dimensional ocean-diffusion models for determining climate sensitivity

In this regard, a number of computational issues are identified and addressed to guide the development of simplified models. To illustrate these issues, we examine a previously published one-dimensional diffusion model.

Treatment of the boundary conditions, advection, ocean depth, and thermal diffusivity are addressed. Questionable omission of 30% of the Earth's surface and the application of a very local phenomenon as a global process is also discussed. It is shown that incorrect treatment of these issues can give non-physical results and lead to mistaken conclusions about the sensitivity of the Earth to rising greenhouse gas concentrations.