Here is a neat way to sum up a range of models of greenhouse effect using the overall energy balance equation of Miskolczi (M7). The energy balance equation represents two flux terms of equal magnitude, propagating into opposite directions, while using the same solar energy F as an energy source. The first term (Su-F) heats the atmosphere and the second term (Ed-Eu) maintains the surface energy balance. Read the rest of this entry…

The last installment of my review of Miskolczi’s theory of (almost) constant greenhouse effect examines his claim that attribution of global warming to greenhouse gases is due to an error in the equations. This part deals exclusively with equations of radiative equilibrium in the atmosphere. The other three parts dealt with various aspects of the overall energetic constraints on the atmospheric system: energy conservation (part one), the virial theorem (part two), and Kirchhoff’s law (part three). Read the rest of this entry…

In reviewing the points of controversy raised here in Miskolczi’s controversial theory of (almost constant) greenhouse effect and the impossibility of runaway global warming, I thought about the role of convection. Read the rest of this entry…

I have been watching the eruption of Mt Chaitén in Chile, South America very closely for the last few weeks. It appears as if it may produce a major eruption soon. The last known eruption was in 7420 BC ± 75. The progress of the 2008 eruption has been as follows. Read the rest of this entry…

Before delving into the fourth and final installment of Miskolczi’s controversial theory of the greenhouse effect, below is a slide depicting the relationships covered so-far. The last part, on radiative equilibrium, binds warming as a function of optical depth (or concentration of greenhouse gases) and will be a bit technical. Read the rest of this entry…

Next is this series is Kirchhoff law. Kirchhoff is the third principle in Miskolczi’s atmospheric greenhouse theory, after energy conservation (part one) and the virial theorem (part two). Read the rest of this entry…

The first post in this series showed a theoretical proof that ‘runaway’ greenhouse effect is not possible, based on Miskolczi’s derivation of a constant (and maximum) greenhouse effect from energy conservation laws in a cloudy atmosphere. The virial theorem solves the semi-transparent (non-cloudy) case, where a fraction of the longwave radiation is transmitted directly from the surface to space, without absorption by the atmosphere. Read the rest of this entry…

A very interesting theory of global warming proposed by the Hungarian mathematician
Ferenc Miskolczi contains a simple proof that the greenhouse effect
is bound to a fixed value and cannot ‘runaway’, or even increase. In order to understand, or audit, parts of the theory I step through a simplified version of the derivation of his result below. Read the rest of this entry…

“NASA just released their new report on global warming or, as President Bush, calls it — Spring.” –Jay Leno
Read the rest of this entry…