Scientific Outcomes of the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project: An Overview

Since 2008 PlioMIP participants have fundamentally transformed our understanding of Pliocene climates and environments. In this presentation we will review some of the most significant highlights and milestones of PlioMIP, including our changing appreciation of large-scale climate features, meridional and zonal temperature gradients, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, polar amplification, and monsoon behaviour. We will examine recent studies that have sought to better understand climate and environmental feedbacks in a warmer world, as well as quantifying Climate Sensitivity. These achievements will be placed into the broader context of Pliocene climate and environmental literature in order to help identify significant scientific challenges and opportunities which remain to be explored.