Hector V3.2.0: functionality and performance of a reduced-complexity climate model

Hector is an open-source reduced-complexity climate–carbon cycle model that models critical Earth system processes on a global and annual basis. Here, we present an updated version of the model, Hector V3.2.0 (hereafter Hector V3), and document its new features, implementation of new science, and pe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geoscientific Model Development
Main Authors: Dorheim, Kalyn, Gering, Skylar, Gieseke, Robert, Hartin, Corinne, Pressburger, Leeya, Shiklomanov, Alexey N., Smith, Steven J., Tebaldi, Claudia, Woodard, Dawn L., Bond-Lamberty, Ben
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: 2024
Subjects:
permafrost
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-4855-2024
https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/17/4855/2024/
Description
Summary:Hector is an open-source reduced-complexity climate–carbon cycle model that models critical Earth system processes on a global and annual basis. Here, we present an updated version of the model, Hector V3.2.0 (hereafter Hector V3), and document its new features, implementation of new science, and performance. Significant new features include permafrost thaw, a reworked energy balance submodel, and updated parameterizations throughout. Hector V3 results are in good general agreement with historical observations of atmospheric CO 2 concentrations and global mean surface temperature, and the future temperature projections from Hector V3 are consistent with more complex Earth system model output data from the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. We show that Hector V3 is a flexible, performant, robust, and fully open-source simulator of global climate changes. We also note its limitations and discuss future areas for improvement and research with respect to the model's scientific, stakeholder, and educational priorities.

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