Is this a predictive climate model?

No. It is a zero-dimensional teaching cartoon with tunable parameters; it omits meridional transport, clouds, ocean circulation, and dozens of other processes present in real models.

Why two thresholds for freeze and melt?

A single threshold would collapse the path memory. Different transition temperatures mimic latent heat, basin hysteresis, and slow ice-sheet dynamics in a highly compressed way.

0-D Energy Balance & Ice–Albedo

Budyko-style (1−α)S/4 = εσT⁴ with icy vs clear albedo, freeze/melt hysteresis when S is swept, and optional smooth α(T) relaxation.

Outgoing longwave is εσT⁴; absorbed shortwave uses the planetary-average factor 1/4. This is a teaching cartoon, not a GCM — see the two-slab greenhouse sim for layered IR.

Live graphs

Gray: hypothetical fixed-albedo equilibria. Cyan/orange: memory path from a slow S sweep (Build loop). Drag S to explore a single point.

About this model

A globally averaged energy balance (1−α)S/4 = εσT⁴ couples absorbed sunlight to outgoing longwave. Ice–albedo feedback is represented by switching between a high albedo (icy) and a lower albedo (ice-free) with distinct freeze and melt temperature thresholds, producing hysteresis when the solar constant is swept slowly. A second mode uses a smooth logistic α(T) and a simple thermal relaxation to show approach to equilibrium without discrete ice flips.

Who it's for: Introductory climate or planetary energy-balance courses.

Key terms

Budyko
Ice–albedo feedback
Hysteresis
Snowball Earth
OLR

How it works

Zero-dimensional Budyko-style balance with ice–albedo feedback: compare instantaneous equilibria with a two-state hysteresis rule, or relax with a smooth α(T).

Frequently asked questions

Is this a predictive climate model?: No. It is a zero-dimensional teaching cartoon with tunable parameters; it omits meridional transport, clouds, ocean circulation, and dozens of other processes present in real models.
Why two thresholds for freeze and melt?: A single threshold would collapse the path memory. Different transition temperatures mimic latent heat, basin hysteresis, and slow ice-sheet dynamics in a highly compressed way.

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