The 2007 Malcolm McIntosh Lecture looks at the influence of oceans on weather and climate.

Oceans, climate and weather – relationship examined

Reference: 07/19

The science behind the intimate relationship between oceans, climate and weather will be the focus of the 2007 Malcolm McIntosh Lecture presented by a senior Australian researcher, Dr Greg Ayers, in Canberra on Tuesday, 20 February.

19 February 2007

Dr Ayers, Chief of CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, will deliver the lecture at the CSIRO Discovery Centre.

In his address, which is open to the public, Dr Ayers will provide an overview of the way oceanic factors interact to make the oceans a key element in the global climate system.

“Oceans also play an important role in limiting the rate at which carbon dioxide is increasing in concentration in the atmosphere.”

Dr Ayers says that as well as providing a source of moisture for clouds and rainfall, oceans also; store and redistribute heat, influence the location, variability and intensity of weather systems and significantly moderate the rate of global warming.

“There’s an interplay of forces that produce climate and weather and oceans are a critical element in shaping Australia’s weather in the short-term and its climate over the longer term,” he says.

“Oceans also play an important role in limiting the rate at which carbon dioxide is increasing in concentration in the atmosphere.”

The lecture starts at 5.00 pm in the Optus Lecture Theatre, CSIRO Discovery, Clunies Ross Street, Black Mountain. A cocktail party hosted by lecture sponsors mecu will follow the lecture.

The Malcolm Macintosh Lecture series is an annual event held in honour of Dr Malcolm McIntosh, Chief Executive of CSIRO from 1996 - 2000. It is proudly sponsored by mecu.

For more information about the event contact Pamela Phillips, 02 6246 5468