General circulation model (Q615)

Subject, term, tag: General circulation model

General circulation model (GCM)

Language	Label	Description	Also known as
English	General circulation model	Subject, term, tag: General circulation model	General circulation model (GCM)

Statements

Instance of

Category

source version

IPCC Glossary v1.5

1 reference

Source

https://apps.ipcc.ch/glossary/

date accessed

27 May 2026

Part of

Working Group I: Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis

0 references

Definition

A numerical representation of the atmosphere–ocean–sea ice system based on the physical, chemical and biological properties of its components, their interactions and feedback processes. General circulation models are used for weather forecasts, seasonal to decadal prediction, and climate projections. They are the basis of the more complex Earth system models (ESMs). (English)