How useful are climate models that project as far as a century into the future? The answer to this question depends on the needs of the model user. In general, good climate model outputs simulate both the predictable and the unpredictable nature of climate.

We analyzed the validity of SNAP climate model outputs by generating model runs for past time periods and then analyzing the statistical relationship between real weather patterns and model outputs.

All models scored well when simulating climate change trends. However, in other areas, each model exhibited strengths and weaknesses. By comparing the performance of the different models on each statistical test region by region, we can fine-tune how we use these models for predictive purposes.