<p>Distinctive in this case means, does not match well with the first but is explained by the later. This is not the greatest sentence format, but distinct means stands out from. Generally when you refer to something as distinct with respect to X, then it means X is the odd part about it or it stands out from X. In this cased because they are talking about a predictive model and the thing being predicted, then it means it is odd because it does not fit the predictions of the prevailing climate model. <strong>But</strong> it is also distinct because it is better explained by local factors, for a given value of &quot;local&quot;, which is not normally the case for an event so large. It also might be a reference to more recent research showing the anomaly is likely not global. Combining these two slightly different usages is not great sentence composition but is grammatically correct.</p>
<p>In this particular case the regional forcing mechanism is believed to be a large volcano erupting.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-08-18T06:27:55.693Z
2021-03-11T10:24:06.073Z
2021-03-11T10:24:06.073Z
John
<p>Trying to understand this question, posted to me by a lecturer at University:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>"The Medieval Climatic Anomaly was distinctive in terms of the
  prevailing climates and forcing mechanisms operating at the regional scale."<br />
  Critically evaluate this comment using case-studies to support your answer </p>
</blockquote>

<p>Is this statement saying that the MCA was caused only by the prevailing climate and mechanisms operating on a regional scale?<br />
If so what is an example of a regional scale forcing mechanism? </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-04-20T20:33:07.457Z
This looks like it should belong on history @TomHaywood
Tardy
<climate-change><climate><climate-models><climatology>
The Medieval Climatic Anomaly
Tom Haywood
# The Medieval Climatic Anomaly

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-06-27)

Trying to understand this question, posted to me by a lecturer at University:

> "The Medieval Climatic Anomaly was distinctive in terms of the
> prevailing climates and forcing mechanisms operating at the regional scale."  
> Critically evaluate this comment using case-studies to support your answer

Is this statement saying that the MCA was caused only by the prevailing climate and mechanisms operating on a regional scale?  
If so what is an example of a regional scale forcing mechanism?

**Tags:** climate-change, climate, climate-models, climatology

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: This looks like it should belong on history @username_0  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2019-08-18. Score: 2

Distinctive in this case means, does not match well with the first but is explained by the later. This is not the greatest sentence format, but distinct means stands out from. Generally when you refer to something as distinct with respect to X, then it means X is the odd part about it or it stands out from X. In this cased because they are talking about a predictive model and the thing being predicted, then it means it is odd because it does not fit the predictions of the prevailing climate model. **But** it is also distinct because it is better explained by local factors, for a given value of "local", which is not normally the case for an event so large. It also might be a reference to more recent research showing the anomaly is likely not global. Combining these two slightly different usages is not great sentence composition but is grammatically correct.

In this particular case the regional forcing mechanism is believed to be a large volcano erupting.


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