The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Hemispheric asymmetry of polar amplification during the Miocene Climatic Optimum
ID:320 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 16:15 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 35 - Ocean-climate dynamics through Earth history: integrating proxies, modeling, and data science

Abstract
Polar amplification is a robust feature of past and future warm climates, yet its hemispheric asymmetry and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood in deep-time climate states. The Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO, ca. 16.9–14.75 Ma) represents a warm interval under elevated CO₂ concentrations (~400–600 ppm), offering an analog for future climate warming. Here, using the fully coupled general circulation model FGOALS-g3 with Miocene boundary conditions, we investigate the mechanisms underlying asymmetric polar amplification between two hemispheres. We find that Arctic amplification exceeds Antarctic amplification. This asymmetry arises from the atmosphere–sea ice interactions, rather than from differences in effective climate sensitivity to CO₂ forcing. Energy budget diagnostics and radiative kernel analysis indicate that, net Arctic warming is amplified primarily by stronger surface albedo feedback, followed by stronger lapse rate feedback. In contrast, weaker positive feedbacks and atmospheric heat convergence lead to more moderate Antarctic warming. These findings underscore the critical role of large-scale energy redistribution and hemispheric boundary conditions in shaping polar climate sensitivity and provide new mechanistic insights into asymmetric polar warming during the Miocene.
Speaker
Qi Mao Xiamen University

Author
Qi Mao Xiamen University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027