Was Asia Warmer during the Last Interglacial Maximum than Present?

Abstract

The change in the Asian climate and associated monsoon change during the last interglacial maximum (LIGM) at 125 k yr BP is simulated by the NCAR CCM3. Despite of the net annual-mean cooling, the summer warming leads to the decrease in mean sea level pressure over the Tibetan Plateau, resulting in the increase in landward winds and precipitation. Overall, the annual-mean surface temperature is slightly lower than present in Asia, which is consistent with previous model results.