Science · 2003 · 399 citations · 12 references
HumanitiesHistoryMedieval StudiesClimate ScienceClimatologyMedieval HistoryClimate HistoryMedieval EuropeMedieval HistoriographyMiddle AgesRegional ClimateClimatic Change HistoryHistorical Weather RecordsNatural VariabilityRegional Precipitation PatternsSeasonal Precipitation Patterns
The Medieval Warm Period, particularly the High Medieval era, is noted for higher temperatures and significant shifts in precipitation patterns. The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving these Medieval climate changes to inform debates on natural variability and anthropogenic climate change. The review finds that the High Medieval period was warmer than later centuries but cooler than the late 20th century, and that its warmest temperatures were not globally synchronous. Bradley et al.
Many papers have referred to a "Medieval Warm Period." In their Perspective, Bradley et al. review the evidence and conclude that although the High Medieval (1100 to 1200 A.D.) was warmer than subsequent centuries, it was not warmer than the late 20th century. Moreover, the warmest Medieval temperatures were not synchronous around the globe. Large changes in precipitation patterns are a particular characteristic of "High Medieval" time. The underlying mechanisms for such changes must be elucidated further to inform the ongoing debate on natural climate variability and anthropogenic climate change.
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Southward Migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone Through the Holocene
Gerald H. Haug, Konrad A Hughen, Daniel M. Sigman et al. · Science · 2001 · 2.4K citations
Solar Forcing of Regional Climate Change During the Maunder Minimum
Drew Shindell, Gavin A. Schmidt, Michael Mann et al. · Science · 2001 · 833 citations · Full text
The early medieval warm epoch and its sequel
H. H. Lamb · Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology · 1965 · 748 citations