Archive for July, 2007

Jul 31 2007

A Simple Experiment to Prove the Existence of the Greenhouse Effect

Published under Climate Change

Equipment:
Infrared Spectral Radiometer
Space Shuttle

Procedure:
1.) Measure downwelling infrared radiation at ground level.
2.) Measure downwelling infrared radiation in space, making sure to be directly above the spot measured in part 1, at the exact same time, with the instruments aligned in the exact same direction (at the sun).
2a.) Alternatively, use measurements taken from existing satellites.
3.) Compare. If greenhouse theory is correct, the integrated measurement in step 1 needs to be greater than the integrated measurement in step 2.

Hypothesis: The integrated infrared radiation measured on the ground will be greater than that measured in space, showing that the ground is heated by both the sun and the atmosphere.

[I don't have the necessary money to buy a trip on the Space Shuttle nor to buy an infrared spectral radiometer. Donations accepted.]

15 responses so far

Jul 30 2007

Tropical cyclones over the Mediterranean Sea in climate change simulations

Published under Climate Change

Gaertner, M. A., D. Jacob, V. Gil, M. Dominguez, E. Padorno, E. Sanchez, and M. Castro (2007), Tropical cyclones over the Mediterranean Sea in climate change simulations [PDF, requires subscription], Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L14711, doi:10.1029/2007GL029977.

Tropical cyclones form only under specific environmental conditions. Anthropogenic climate change might alter the geographical areas where tropical cyclones can develop. Using an ensemble of regional climate models, we find an increase in the extremes of cyclone intensity over the Mediterranean Sea under a climate change scenario. At least for the most sensitive model, the increase in intensity is clearly associated with the formation of tropical cyclones. Previous studies did not find evidence of changes in the projected areas of formation of tropical cyclones (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007; Walsh, 2004; Lionello et al., 2002). Those studies were based either on relatively low-resolution global climate models or on one particular regional climate model. The use of a multi-model ensemble of relatively high-resolution regional climate models has allowed us to detect for the first time a risk of tropical cyclone development over the Mediterranean Sea under future climate change conditions.

Continue Reading »

2 responses so far

Jul 26 2007

Hurricane Preparedness

Published under Weather

It’s only a matter of time before a hurricane threatens the United States. Here are a few tips from The Onion:

Hurricane Preparedness
What are some of the hurricane-season pointers outlined by the National Hurricane Center?

Place all bouyant possessions safely in basement.
If you live in a mobile home, break it up into small, non-lethal debris before storm hits.
Throughout hurricane season, call your parents each day and let them know you’re still alive.
If you see a suspicious-looking hurricane sitting unattended, notify the National Weather Service immediately.
To protect your skin from the harmful effects of hurricanes, wear at least a grade 15 stormscreen.
Hurricanes named after women tend to build in pressure as the days go by, finally exploding into a rage; hurricanes named after men are shorter in duration, but never seem to be aware of how much pain they cause.
Florida residents, vote yes on Proposition 84 to put a hurricane-proof dome over your state.
Listen to your local radio station for weather updates and potential REO Speedwagon broadcasts.

No responses yet

Jul 25 2007

Grade Your Climate IQ

Published under Climate Change, Environment

See how much you know about climate change in this quiz from National Geographic Magazine.

No responses yet

Next »