Large deviation theory applied to climate physics, a new frontier of statistical physics
Freddy Bouchet  1, @  , Francesco Ragone, Eric Simonnet, Jeroen Wouters, @
1 : Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS Lyon  (Phys-ENS)  -  Website
CNRS : UMR5672, École Normale Supérieure (ENS) - Lyon
46 allée d'Italie 69007 Lyon -  France

We propose to review some of the recent developments in the theoretical aspects of the non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of climate dynamics. At the intersection between statistical mechanics, turbulence, and geophysical fluid dynamics, this field is a wonderful new playground for theoretical physics involving tools from statistical physics: large deviation theory, path integrals, and diffusion Monte-Carlo algorithms. We will discuss two classes of applications. First extreme heat waves as an example of a rare events with huge impacts. Second rare trajectories that suddenly drive the complex turbulent dynamical system from one attractor to a completely different one, related to abrupt climate changes. Relation with instanton theory and effective models of first order transitions and their transition rates will be emphasized. 

 

Subject : : oral
Topics : Interdisciplinary topics
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