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. F -- Solar flux in Su -- Surface flux up Eu -- Atmospheric flux up Ed -- Atmospheric flux down They Read more [...] 66 com

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. Convection is a heat engine. A heat engine is defined as a device that converts heat energy into mechanical energy. In this model, the circulation of the air is analogous to a Stirling or other simple heat engine, producing work as the result of temperature differential between the Read more [...] 880 com

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. April 30: A significant earthquake preceded the first explosions; May 2: More earthquakes arrayed radially around the caldera implying a very large magma chamber; May 15: Near steady-state explosive eruptions (Plinian) releasing Read more [...] 19 com

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. Figure: The major relationships between fluxes in the description of Miskolczi's atmospheric theory. Each of the installments has dealt with a fundamental principle of Read more [...] 5 com

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. The first step in modeling a system's dynamics is representing the main constant relationships, usually based on conservation of energy. The 'big picture' Read more [...] 37 com

"NASA just released their new report on global warming or, as President Bush, calls it -- Spring." --Jay Leno The recent Science has an editorial by Richard Kerr, Mother Nature Cools the Greenhouse, But Hotter Times Still Lie Ahead. He reports on the results of short-term model runs at the Hadley Center in England showing masking of warming due to natural changes in ocean currents. This is why temperatures have not been increasing as noted here and here. So it is natural to ask, if natural cycles Read more [...] 2 com