Workshop on climate change and uncertainty from below and above, Delhi. http://steps-centre.org/2016/blog/climate-change-and-uncertainty-from-above-and-below/
This document summarizes Milutin Milanković's book "Astronomical Theory of Climate Changes and Its Application in Geophysics". It discusses Milanković's theory that variations in the Earth's orbit and tilt are the cause of ice age cycles. The summary describes Milanković's life and work developing this theory to explain geological evidence of past climate changes. It also discusses how later scientists confirmed Milanković's theory by studying records of climate change in ocean sediments.
The document provides an introduction to Earth's geography, including:
1) Geography studies the distribution of physical and cultural features on Earth. It has branched into many sciences like meteorology and oceanography.
2) Earth has four main environmental spheres - the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere that interact with each other.
3) The solar system formed 5 billion years ago and consists of 8 planets revolving around the Sun, with Earth as the third planet.
Geography is the study of Earth's surface and the ways places differ. It examines how physical and cultural factors relate to each other across locations. Geography has two main branches - physical geography which studies natural Earth elements, and cultural geography which studies human activities and settlements. The document provides background on geography as a field of study and discusses key geographic concepts like latitude, longitude, and the graticule system used to locate places.
Modification and Climate Change Analysis of surrounding Environment using Rem...iosrjce
This document discusses the application of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) in analyzing climate change and the surrounding environment. It begins by defining key terms related to climate, climate change, and RS and GIS. It then highlights several areas where RS and GIS have been applied, including glacier monitoring, vegetation change monitoring, and carbon trace/accounting. Studies are discussed that use RS and GIS to monitor glacier retreat, snow depth, land cover change, and above-ground carbon stocks. The document concludes that RS and GIS play a crucial role in understanding and managing climate change by providing important spatial data and enabling the monitoring of environmental changes over time.
The document discusses equations of motion used in weather forecasting and climate change studies. It begins with an introduction to geophysical fluid dynamics and the distinguishing effects of rotation and stratification. It then outlines the basic equations of motion, including conservation of momentum, mass, energy, and state. It describes how these equations are solved on grids using numerical models. It discusses the challenges of modeling processes at different spatial scales from synoptic to urban. It also addresses challenges in tropical weather prediction and how dynamical prediction of weather over South Asia has improved.
This document summarizes a student's term project on the origin of intraplate earthquakes. It includes an outline, introduction, two case studies on intraplate earthquakes in North China and the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a proposed unified model, and conclusions. The unified model suggests that intraplate earthquakes occur when localized stress buildup at geological features approximates regional tectonic stresses. The conclusions emphasize the roaming nature and lack of periodicity in intraplate seismicity.
The document discusses the general circulation of the atmosphere and key components that influence global wind patterns. It describes the seven main surface wind systems: 1) polar highs, 2) polar easterlies, 3) subpolar lows, 4) westerlies, 5) subtropical highs, 6) trade winds, and 7) the Intertropical Convergence Zone. It explains how factors like pressure gradients, the Coriolis effect, and Earth's rotation drive wind patterns and seasonal variations globally. Monsoons are also discussed as a major seasonal reversal that influences populated regions.
This document discusses the application of remote sensing in geomorphology. Remote sensing involves acquiring information about the Earth's surface from a distance, using sensors on aerial platforms or satellites. It has several advantages for geomorphological mapping and analysis, including multi-temporal coverage to detect changes over time and multi-spectral data to better identify landforms. Both aerial photos and satellite imagery can be interpreted to extract geomorphological information and understand landform genesis and evolution. Formal training is required to properly interpret remote sensing data and relate image elements to landforms and geological processes.
This document summarizes Milutin Milanković's book "Astronomical Theory of Climate Changes and Its Application in Geophysics". It discusses Milanković's theory that variations in the Earth's orbit and tilt are the cause of ice age cycles. The summary describes Milanković's life and work developing this theory to explain geological evidence of past climate changes. It also discusses how later scientists confirmed Milanković's theory by studying records of climate change in ocean sediments.
The document provides an introduction to Earth's geography, including:
1) Geography studies the distribution of physical and cultural features on Earth. It has branched into many sciences like meteorology and oceanography.
2) Earth has four main environmental spheres - the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere that interact with each other.
3) The solar system formed 5 billion years ago and consists of 8 planets revolving around the Sun, with Earth as the third planet.
Geography is the study of Earth's surface and the ways places differ. It examines how physical and cultural factors relate to each other across locations. Geography has two main branches - physical geography which studies natural Earth elements, and cultural geography which studies human activities and settlements. The document provides background on geography as a field of study and discusses key geographic concepts like latitude, longitude, and the graticule system used to locate places.
Modification and Climate Change Analysis of surrounding Environment using Rem...iosrjce
This document discusses the application of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) in analyzing climate change and the surrounding environment. It begins by defining key terms related to climate, climate change, and RS and GIS. It then highlights several areas where RS and GIS have been applied, including glacier monitoring, vegetation change monitoring, and carbon trace/accounting. Studies are discussed that use RS and GIS to monitor glacier retreat, snow depth, land cover change, and above-ground carbon stocks. The document concludes that RS and GIS play a crucial role in understanding and managing climate change by providing important spatial data and enabling the monitoring of environmental changes over time.
The document discusses equations of motion used in weather forecasting and climate change studies. It begins with an introduction to geophysical fluid dynamics and the distinguishing effects of rotation and stratification. It then outlines the basic equations of motion, including conservation of momentum, mass, energy, and state. It describes how these equations are solved on grids using numerical models. It discusses the challenges of modeling processes at different spatial scales from synoptic to urban. It also addresses challenges in tropical weather prediction and how dynamical prediction of weather over South Asia has improved.
This document summarizes a student's term project on the origin of intraplate earthquakes. It includes an outline, introduction, two case studies on intraplate earthquakes in North China and the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a proposed unified model, and conclusions. The unified model suggests that intraplate earthquakes occur when localized stress buildup at geological features approximates regional tectonic stresses. The conclusions emphasize the roaming nature and lack of periodicity in intraplate seismicity.
The document discusses the general circulation of the atmosphere and key components that influence global wind patterns. It describes the seven main surface wind systems: 1) polar highs, 2) polar easterlies, 3) subpolar lows, 4) westerlies, 5) subtropical highs, 6) trade winds, and 7) the Intertropical Convergence Zone. It explains how factors like pressure gradients, the Coriolis effect, and Earth's rotation drive wind patterns and seasonal variations globally. Monsoons are also discussed as a major seasonal reversal that influences populated regions.
This document discusses the application of remote sensing in geomorphology. Remote sensing involves acquiring information about the Earth's surface from a distance, using sensors on aerial platforms or satellites. It has several advantages for geomorphological mapping and analysis, including multi-temporal coverage to detect changes over time and multi-spectral data to better identify landforms. Both aerial photos and satellite imagery can be interpreted to extract geomorphological information and understand landform genesis and evolution. Formal training is required to properly interpret remote sensing data and relate image elements to landforms and geological processes.
This document summarizes research on downburst occurrence in Brazil. It discusses regions in Brazil where downbursts have been reported, including the Amazon Basin, South, Southeast and Northeast regions. It also analyzes convective environments favorable for downbursts, noting that high CAPE and low CIN values indicate favorable conditions. Specific meteorological thresholds are discussed that could indicate downburst occurrence, such as a decrease in equivalent potential temperature, increase in surface pressure, and wind gusts over 10m/s. The document reviews literature on downburst prediction and characteristics.
The document provides information from various sources on climate change and related topics. It includes links to reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on impacts, adaptation, and vulnerabilities of climate change as well as mitigation efforts. Other links discuss climate change impacts on health, cities like New York, and past climate change events. The document also discusses the 2015 Paris Climate Accord between the US and China and analyzes potential effects on industries.
This document provides an introduction to seismology and seismic design of buildings. It discusses the causes of earthquakes, including plate tectonics, and describes how seismic waves propagate from the hypocenter. It examines different methods of measuring earthquake size, such as magnitude scales based on amplitude (Richter), seismic moment (Mw), and observed effects (Mercalli). The document also explores earthquake ground motion and highlights the importance of understanding strong ground shaking for structural design.
This document provides an overview of climate change and links to various resources on the topic, including:
- Summaries of the 5th Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the impacts, adaptation, vulnerabilities and mitigation of climate change.
- Links to the IPCC website and presentations on their reports which assess the scientific basis of climate change.
- Resources on the composition of the atmosphere, greenhouse gas emissions, and historical global temperature changes that can be explained by human and natural factors.
- Examples of observed impacts from climate change in New York City like increased flooding and effects on infrastructure from Hurricane Sandy.
- Principles of precaution in relation to climate policy and the
The document summarizes key findings from the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Working Group I on the physical science basis of climate change. The report finds that human activities have unequivocally warmed the climate in an unprecedented manner over the last 2000 years. Continued greenhouse gas emissions will cause further global warming, with impacts being experienced in every region of the Earth. Strong and rapid reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gases are necessary to limit global warming and its effects.
Spatial variation in surface runoff at catchment scale, the case study of adi...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on spatial variation in surface runoff within the Adigela catchment in Tigray, Ethiopia. Four sub-catchments were monitored for runoff. Runoff was found to vary significantly between sub-catchments due to differences in shape, vegetation cover, slope, soil type, land use, and rainfall amounts. Peak discharges ranged from 0.47 to 2.14 m3/sec across the sub-catchments. Infiltration rates also varied spatially based on soil texture. The SCS-CN method was found to adequately predict runoff patterns in the catchment. The study provides insight into key factors controlling runoff generation and hydrograph response at the catchment
This document summarizes recent progress in techniques for dating landslides globally. It analyzes over 950 dated landslides, with 734 dated since 2000. Traditional methods rely mainly on radiocarbon dating, but cosmic ray exposure techniques are increasingly used to date both accumulation (e.g. landslide boulders) and depletion (e.g. landslide scarps) parts of landslides. Regional landslide chronologies have improved, though are still less extensive than for fluvial, glacial or eolian landforms. The most data exists for mountain areas in North America, South America, Europe, the Himalayas and New Zealand. Dated landslides in plate interiors are lacking, especially in South
Weather satellites and how to read the signsKella Randolph
The document provides information about weather terms, weather maps, and weather forecasting. It defines terms like air mass, air pressure, cold fronts, and warm fronts. It describes how weather data is collected using radars and satellites like GOES and POES. Weather forecasting uses data from these satellites as well as tools like the Beaufort scale. Forecasts are aided by understanding symbols on weather maps that represent phenomena like precipitation and high and low pressure systems.
The document discusses the history of meteorology and the invention of weather instruments. It covers topics like the founding of meteorology by Aristotle, the development of weather forecasting over time, branches of meteorology like microscale and synoptic scale meteorology, essential concepts like climate and weather, examples of meteorological instruments, meteorological phenomena, and leaders in the field like William Gray and Francis Galton.
This document provides an overview of research on East Coast snowstorms (ECWS). It discusses several key points:
1) ECWS typically form off the East Coast of the US and track northeast due to interactions between continental and oceanic air masses, with explosive deepening caused by divergence aloft and lack of surface friction over water.
2) There are two main types of ECWS - Miller Type A storms form off the Southeast coast and affect much of the East Coast, while Miller Type B storms form as secondary lows off storms moving into the Northeast.
3) On average 12 ECWS occur annually from October to April, peaking in January, but numbers vary greatly year to year depending on
To aid in understanding many complex interactions, scientists often build mathematical models that represent simple climate systems. This module highlights the fundamentals of climate models.
This document provides an overview and schedule for an introduction to geophysics course. It outlines the course structure including exams, homework assignments, and office hours. Key topics that will be covered include seismic refraction, reflection, and inversion methods. Interpretations of geophysical data are described as non-unique, with more than one model potentially explaining observations. Examples of applying these methods to study crustal layering in the ocean basin and across tectonic faults are also presented.
The Allianz Foundation for Sustainability has joined the climate debate with a comprehensive brochure on climate fundamentals, history and projections.
Seismic Microzonation Study in Tabriz Metropolitan City for Earthquake Risk M...IJERA Editor
This document discusses a seismic microzonation study conducted in Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz has a high population density and is located near the active North Tabriz Fault Zone. The study aimed to assess seismic hazard in Tabriz and develop microzonation maps to inform construction practices and mitigate earthquake risk. The methodology involved evaluating expected ground motions, analyzing local site effects, and mapping hazard zones. Results showed variation in hazards like ground shaking, liquefaction and landslides across the study area due to differences in geology and soil conditions. The microzonation study provides information needed to enhance earthquake safety in Tabriz's urban development.
Varenius was a 17th century German scholar and geographer who received his medical degree from Leiden in 1649. He is considered to have adopted a truly philosophical spirit in geography. His most famous work, Geographia Generalis, published in 1650, was considered the best treatise on scientific and comparative geography in existence. In it, he divided geography into three parts: absolute, relative, and comparative geography.
This document compares in situ wind speed observations from Wave Glider deployments in the Southern Ocean to several satellite-derived and reanalysis wind products. The study finds that the ECMWF reanalysis product best represents the temporal variability of winds compared to in situ data. However, the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis II product matches observed trends in deviation from the mean wind speed and best depicts the mean wind state, especially during high wind periods. Overall, the high-resolution ECMWF product performs best during lower wind conditions with lower wind speed biases across categories.
11.the response of interplanetary medium to the geomagnetic storm of april 20...Alexander Decker
This document examines the behavior of the interplanetary medium during the geomagnetic storm that occurred between April 5-7, 2010. It analyzes data on the southward component of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (Bz), Disturbance Storm Time index (Dst), solar wind speed, and the H and Z components of the Earth's magnetic field recorded at equatorial and polar stations. The storm had a sudden commencement phase when a strong solar wind compressed the magnetosphere, a main phase when Dst reached a minimum of -73nT, and a recovery phase as Bz and solar wind decreased. There was a sharp decrease in the H component across all latitudes during the storm in response to changes
An earthquake is caused by a sudden release of energy at a focus within the Earth. There are two main types of seismic waves generated: P-waves and S-waves. P-waves travel faster and arrive first, while S-waves oscillate perpendicular to their direction of travel. Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface and can cause significant damage to structures and utilities. Earthquake location can be estimated through triangulation using travel time differences of seismic waves recorded by multiple stations. Earthquake strength is measured by both the Richter scale based on amplitude of seismic waves, and the Modified Mercalli scale based on extent of damage observed.
The document discusses the history of climate change science from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. It describes how early scientists like Arrhenius, Chamberlin, and Callendar studied the greenhouse effect and potential human influences on climate. By the mid-20th century, scientists like Revelle were warning that human carbon emissions could cause significant and potentially irreversible changes to the global climate. This contributed to growing concern about climate change in reports from the 1960s onward. Major climate events in the 1970s and 1980s further increased attention to the issue from policymakers and the public.
This document provides a history of the development of meteorology and the invention of key weather instruments. It discusses early studies in meteorology dating back millennia but significant advances not occurring until the 18th century with the development of observing networks. Key breakthroughs in weather forecasting were achieved in the 20th century after computers were developed. Important early weather instruments invented include the rain gauge in Korea in 1441, thermometers, aneroid barometers in the 1840s, hygrometers using wet-bulb psychrometers, and barometers by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643.
This document provides a history of the development of meteorology and the invention of key weather instruments. It discusses early studies in meteorology dating back millennia but significant advances not occurring until the 18th century with the development of observing networks. Key breakthroughs in weather forecasting were achieved in the 20th century after computers were developed. Important early weather instruments invented include the rain gauge in Korea in 1441, thermometers, aneroid barometers in the 1840s, hygrometers using wet-bulb psychrometers, and barometers by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643.
This document summarizes research on downburst occurrence in Brazil. It discusses regions in Brazil where downbursts have been reported, including the Amazon Basin, South, Southeast and Northeast regions. It also analyzes convective environments favorable for downbursts, noting that high CAPE and low CIN values indicate favorable conditions. Specific meteorological thresholds are discussed that could indicate downburst occurrence, such as a decrease in equivalent potential temperature, increase in surface pressure, and wind gusts over 10m/s. The document reviews literature on downburst prediction and characteristics.
The document provides information from various sources on climate change and related topics. It includes links to reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on impacts, adaptation, and vulnerabilities of climate change as well as mitigation efforts. Other links discuss climate change impacts on health, cities like New York, and past climate change events. The document also discusses the 2015 Paris Climate Accord between the US and China and analyzes potential effects on industries.
This document provides an introduction to seismology and seismic design of buildings. It discusses the causes of earthquakes, including plate tectonics, and describes how seismic waves propagate from the hypocenter. It examines different methods of measuring earthquake size, such as magnitude scales based on amplitude (Richter), seismic moment (Mw), and observed effects (Mercalli). The document also explores earthquake ground motion and highlights the importance of understanding strong ground shaking for structural design.
This document provides an overview of climate change and links to various resources on the topic, including:
- Summaries of the 5th Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the impacts, adaptation, vulnerabilities and mitigation of climate change.
- Links to the IPCC website and presentations on their reports which assess the scientific basis of climate change.
- Resources on the composition of the atmosphere, greenhouse gas emissions, and historical global temperature changes that can be explained by human and natural factors.
- Examples of observed impacts from climate change in New York City like increased flooding and effects on infrastructure from Hurricane Sandy.
- Principles of precaution in relation to climate policy and the
The document summarizes key findings from the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Working Group I on the physical science basis of climate change. The report finds that human activities have unequivocally warmed the climate in an unprecedented manner over the last 2000 years. Continued greenhouse gas emissions will cause further global warming, with impacts being experienced in every region of the Earth. Strong and rapid reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gases are necessary to limit global warming and its effects.
Spatial variation in surface runoff at catchment scale, the case study of adi...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on spatial variation in surface runoff within the Adigela catchment in Tigray, Ethiopia. Four sub-catchments were monitored for runoff. Runoff was found to vary significantly between sub-catchments due to differences in shape, vegetation cover, slope, soil type, land use, and rainfall amounts. Peak discharges ranged from 0.47 to 2.14 m3/sec across the sub-catchments. Infiltration rates also varied spatially based on soil texture. The SCS-CN method was found to adequately predict runoff patterns in the catchment. The study provides insight into key factors controlling runoff generation and hydrograph response at the catchment
This document summarizes recent progress in techniques for dating landslides globally. It analyzes over 950 dated landslides, with 734 dated since 2000. Traditional methods rely mainly on radiocarbon dating, but cosmic ray exposure techniques are increasingly used to date both accumulation (e.g. landslide boulders) and depletion (e.g. landslide scarps) parts of landslides. Regional landslide chronologies have improved, though are still less extensive than for fluvial, glacial or eolian landforms. The most data exists for mountain areas in North America, South America, Europe, the Himalayas and New Zealand. Dated landslides in plate interiors are lacking, especially in South
Weather satellites and how to read the signsKella Randolph
The document provides information about weather terms, weather maps, and weather forecasting. It defines terms like air mass, air pressure, cold fronts, and warm fronts. It describes how weather data is collected using radars and satellites like GOES and POES. Weather forecasting uses data from these satellites as well as tools like the Beaufort scale. Forecasts are aided by understanding symbols on weather maps that represent phenomena like precipitation and high and low pressure systems.
The document discusses the history of meteorology and the invention of weather instruments. It covers topics like the founding of meteorology by Aristotle, the development of weather forecasting over time, branches of meteorology like microscale and synoptic scale meteorology, essential concepts like climate and weather, examples of meteorological instruments, meteorological phenomena, and leaders in the field like William Gray and Francis Galton.
This document provides an overview of research on East Coast snowstorms (ECWS). It discusses several key points:
1) ECWS typically form off the East Coast of the US and track northeast due to interactions between continental and oceanic air masses, with explosive deepening caused by divergence aloft and lack of surface friction over water.
2) There are two main types of ECWS - Miller Type A storms form off the Southeast coast and affect much of the East Coast, while Miller Type B storms form as secondary lows off storms moving into the Northeast.
3) On average 12 ECWS occur annually from October to April, peaking in January, but numbers vary greatly year to year depending on
To aid in understanding many complex interactions, scientists often build mathematical models that represent simple climate systems. This module highlights the fundamentals of climate models.
This document provides an overview and schedule for an introduction to geophysics course. It outlines the course structure including exams, homework assignments, and office hours. Key topics that will be covered include seismic refraction, reflection, and inversion methods. Interpretations of geophysical data are described as non-unique, with more than one model potentially explaining observations. Examples of applying these methods to study crustal layering in the ocean basin and across tectonic faults are also presented.
The Allianz Foundation for Sustainability has joined the climate debate with a comprehensive brochure on climate fundamentals, history and projections.
Seismic Microzonation Study in Tabriz Metropolitan City for Earthquake Risk M...IJERA Editor
This document discusses a seismic microzonation study conducted in Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz has a high population density and is located near the active North Tabriz Fault Zone. The study aimed to assess seismic hazard in Tabriz and develop microzonation maps to inform construction practices and mitigate earthquake risk. The methodology involved evaluating expected ground motions, analyzing local site effects, and mapping hazard zones. Results showed variation in hazards like ground shaking, liquefaction and landslides across the study area due to differences in geology and soil conditions. The microzonation study provides information needed to enhance earthquake safety in Tabriz's urban development.
Varenius was a 17th century German scholar and geographer who received his medical degree from Leiden in 1649. He is considered to have adopted a truly philosophical spirit in geography. His most famous work, Geographia Generalis, published in 1650, was considered the best treatise on scientific and comparative geography in existence. In it, he divided geography into three parts: absolute, relative, and comparative geography.
This document compares in situ wind speed observations from Wave Glider deployments in the Southern Ocean to several satellite-derived and reanalysis wind products. The study finds that the ECMWF reanalysis product best represents the temporal variability of winds compared to in situ data. However, the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis II product matches observed trends in deviation from the mean wind speed and best depicts the mean wind state, especially during high wind periods. Overall, the high-resolution ECMWF product performs best during lower wind conditions with lower wind speed biases across categories.
11.the response of interplanetary medium to the geomagnetic storm of april 20...Alexander Decker
This document examines the behavior of the interplanetary medium during the geomagnetic storm that occurred between April 5-7, 2010. It analyzes data on the southward component of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (Bz), Disturbance Storm Time index (Dst), solar wind speed, and the H and Z components of the Earth's magnetic field recorded at equatorial and polar stations. The storm had a sudden commencement phase when a strong solar wind compressed the magnetosphere, a main phase when Dst reached a minimum of -73nT, and a recovery phase as Bz and solar wind decreased. There was a sharp decrease in the H component across all latitudes during the storm in response to changes
An earthquake is caused by a sudden release of energy at a focus within the Earth. There are two main types of seismic waves generated: P-waves and S-waves. P-waves travel faster and arrive first, while S-waves oscillate perpendicular to their direction of travel. Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface and can cause significant damage to structures and utilities. Earthquake location can be estimated through triangulation using travel time differences of seismic waves recorded by multiple stations. Earthquake strength is measured by both the Richter scale based on amplitude of seismic waves, and the Modified Mercalli scale based on extent of damage observed.
The document discusses the history of climate change science from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. It describes how early scientists like Arrhenius, Chamberlin, and Callendar studied the greenhouse effect and potential human influences on climate. By the mid-20th century, scientists like Revelle were warning that human carbon emissions could cause significant and potentially irreversible changes to the global climate. This contributed to growing concern about climate change in reports from the 1960s onward. Major climate events in the 1970s and 1980s further increased attention to the issue from policymakers and the public.
This document provides a history of the development of meteorology and the invention of key weather instruments. It discusses early studies in meteorology dating back millennia but significant advances not occurring until the 18th century with the development of observing networks. Key breakthroughs in weather forecasting were achieved in the 20th century after computers were developed. Important early weather instruments invented include the rain gauge in Korea in 1441, thermometers, aneroid barometers in the 1840s, hygrometers using wet-bulb psychrometers, and barometers by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643.
This document provides a history of the development of meteorology and the invention of key weather instruments. It discusses early studies in meteorology dating back millennia but significant advances not occurring until the 18th century with the development of observing networks. Key breakthroughs in weather forecasting were achieved in the 20th century after computers were developed. Important early weather instruments invented include the rain gauge in Korea in 1441, thermometers, aneroid barometers in the 1840s, hygrometers using wet-bulb psychrometers, and barometers by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643.
This document discusses the history of meteorology and inventions of weather instruments. It covers topics such as the scientific study of meteorology beginning in the 18th century and breakthroughs in the 19th century with observing networks. Key weather instruments are also summarized, including the thermometer measuring temperature, aneroid barometers measuring air pressure, rain gauges measuring precipitation, hygrometers measuring humidity, and barometers being invented by Torricelli in 1643 to measure air pressure. The document also discusses different scales in meteorology from micro to synoptic to global scales based on spatial and temporal scopes.
The 1919 solar eclipse expedition is a famous test of Einstein's general relativity theory. It is a story with many aspects: physics, astronomical measurements, scientific method, science and World War I.
Climate models are computer programs that simulate weather patterns over time. There are three main types of global climate models: Earth balance models, Earth models of intermediate complexity, and general circulation models. The first climate model was developed in the late 1960s and combined atmospheric and oceanic processes. Climate models help scientists make climate predictions and test theories to better understand the climate system.
This document discusses various perspectives on global warming, including scientific theories, historical climate data, and biblical views. It examines the claims of prominent scientists on both sides of the debate. Key topics analyzed include the Medieval Warm Period, temperature reconstruction methods, natural variability in climate, and Christian responses to environmental issues. The document advocates a biblical stewardship approach to nature guided by revelation.
Jason Thompson helped Dr. Oliver Hemmers communicate why climate models fail.
Biography
Dr. Oliver Hemmers received his Ph.D. in physics in 1993 from the Technical University in Berlin, Germany, with specialization in x-ray atomic and molecular spectroscopy. Recent research focuses on developments of biofuels and new materials for hydrogen fuel storage. He currently manages a multiyear, multimillion-dollar biodiesel project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Over the past 10 years, he has been a principal investigator or co-PI on several research projects at UNLV totaling more than $6 million. Hemmers has made approximately 200 presentations at national and international meetings, published approximately 90 research articles, written one book, and holds one patent. He is a member of the American Physical Society and a reviewer for the American Institute of Physics and the Institute of Physics.
Jason Thompson is an alternative energy photojournalist who wrote more than 300 articles in Diesel Power which around 2010 was the #1 selling automotive magazine at Walmart. He now studies the visual framing of climate control from 1824 to the present.
The history of meteorology stretches back millennia, though significant progress did not occur until the 18th century. Early researchers studied visual atmospheric phenomena like refraction and reflection of light. Later, scientists discovered gases like nitrogen and oxygen and developed theories on atmospheric composition and combustion. The development of weather observation networks in the mid-19th century allowed for mapping of surface conditions and early weather forecasting. Invention of instruments like the barometer and thermometer enabled quantification of air pressure and temperature.
The history of meteorology stretches back millennia, though significant progress did not occur until the 18th century. Early researchers studied visual atmospheric phenomena like refraction and reflection of light. Later, scientists discovered gases like nitrogen and oxygen and developed theories on atmospheric composition and combustion. The development of weather observation networks in the mid-19th century allowed for systematic study of weather patterns and early forecasting. Invention of instruments like the barometer and thermometer enabled measurement and monitoring of atmospheric conditions.
The history of meteorology stretches back millennia, though significant progress did not occur until the 18th century. Early researchers studied visual atmospheric phenomena like refraction and reflection of light. Later, scientists discovered gases like nitrogen and oxygen and researched atmospheric circulation including trade winds and monsoons. The establishment of observation networks in the 17th century allowed for analysis of surface conditions and early weather forecasting. Modern meteorology relies on diverse instruments including thermometers, barometers, rain gauges, and satellites to collect data and predict weather patterns.
The history of meteorology dates back millennia, though significant progress occurred in the 18th century. Early researchers studied visual atmospheric phenomena like refraction and reflection of light, and discovered properties like decreasing atmospheric pressure with height. The development of weather observation networks in the mid-19th century allowed collection of surface data across wide areas, enabling mapping of weather systems and early forecasting. Invention of instruments like the barometer and thermometer facilitated measurement and understanding of atmospheric properties and changes.
COUNTER-INTUITY OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS: WEATHER VS. CLIMATEPaul H. Carr
Short-term weather fluctuations should not blind us from what long -term climate trends are telling us. Other unexpected aspects of complex system dynamics are the Butterfly Effect and the descendent benefit of epidemics.
This document provides an introduction to a course on physical geography. It will include about 10 lessons of 90 minutes each that aim to provide a deeper understanding of how the Earth works and how physical geography influences humans. As a contribution, students will keep a physical geography journal summarizing relevant news stories from reputable sources. The course will define physical geography, briefly explore its history, and cover topics like the spherical earth, early maps, modern geography, and systems theory.
The history of meteorology spans millennia, with significant advances occurring from the 18th century onward. Key developments include Aristotle laying the foundations of the field in 350 BC, the establishment of early observation networks in the 16th-17th centuries, breakthroughs in understanding atmospheric phenomena in the 19th century, and the advent of weather satellites and numerical weather prediction in the 20th century which revolutionized modern forecasting.
Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere and weather processes. The field has a long history dating back to ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, but significant advances occurred in the 18th century with the development of observing networks and in the 20th century with the advent of weather satellites and computer modeling. Key developments included the invention of instruments to observe variables like temperature, pressure, humidity and wind, which allowed for the collection of weather data and eventually numerical weather prediction.
Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere and weather processes. The field has a long history dating back to Aristotle in 350 BC, but significant advances occurred in the 18th century with the development of observing networks. Major breakthroughs in weather forecasting were achieved in the 20th century with the development of computers enabling numerical weather prediction models. Modern meteorology involves observation networks, satellites, and global climate modeling to understand and forecast weather and climate.
This document provides a history of the roots and development of geography. It discusses early contributions from ancient cultures like Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and medieval Islamic scholars. Key figures who advanced geographic thought and mapping include Eratosthenes, Ptolemy, and Al-Idrisi. The document also outlines two opposing schools of thought on human-environment relationships - environmental determinism, which believes the environment controls human activities, and possibilism, which argues humans have more freedom of choice.
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Matthias Heymann - The climate change dilemma - big science, the globalizing of climate and the loss of the human scale
1. The Climate Change Dilemma: Big Science, the Globalizing of Climate and the
Loss of the Human Scale
Matthias Heymann
Aarhus University
Centre for Science Studies
Centre for Science Studies
2. Shaping cultures of prediction:
Knowledge, Authority, and the Construction of Climate Change (ca. 1960-
1985)
Funded by the Danish Research Council, 2013-2016
Janet Martin-
Nielsen
Gabriel
Henderson
Dania
Achermann
Matthias
Heymann
3. “This Changes Everything review - Naomi Klein's
documentary on climate change doesn't”
Guardian review (17 Sept. 2015)
Naomi Klein: „I’ve always kind of hated films about climate
change ... they’re boring, they’re presumptive, they always,
always include shots of polar bears.”
Guardian review: “Klein’s absolutely right. Climate change
documentaries struggle to make the story personal. (…).
The breadth of the problem is too large to filter through
relatable characters easily. Unfortunately Avi Lewis’s film -
despite its good looks and fine intentions - fails in exactly the
same ways.”
5. Loss of the human scale
• Climate research has provided global and large-
scale information on climate change and its drivers.
• It was less able to provide locally relevant information,
which links to local experiences, political institutions
and policy demands.
• Climate knowledge became detached from humans. It
detached knowledge-making from meaning-making
and global fact from local value (Jasanoff)
Climate change dilemma
6. Hypothesis:
Climate knowledge changed significantly during the 20th
century. It experienced globalization, dehumanization
and a loss of human scales.
Question:
How and why did climate knowledge experience
globalization, dehumanization and a loss of human
scales?
7. Content:
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
3. Investigation of climatic changes
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
7. Conclusions
4. The physical understanding of the atmosphere
and the rise of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
6. Uncertainties and trust in global models
8. Content:
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
3. Investigation of climatic changes
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
7. Conclusions
4. The physical understanding of the atmosphere
and the rise of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
6. Uncertainties and trust in global models
9. Painting of Joseph Stieler, 1843
Alexander von Humboldt
„The term climate denotes in its
most general sense all changes of
the atmosphere, which directly
impact our organs ...“
(Humboldt 1845).
• associated with a concrete
geographical location.
• direct relation to human beings
The emergence of „classical climatology“
• on the surface of the earth
• holistic
10. Julius von Hann, Office of Meteorology
and Geomagnetism, Vienna
„Under climate we understand
the totality of meteorological
phenomena, which describe
the average state of the
atmosphere over a specific
location on earth.“
(Hann 1883)
• „Climatology of
averages“
• Stability of climate
The emergence of „classical climatology“
11. Wladimir Peter Köppen,
German Marine Observatory
in Hamburg
• Systematization of
climates
• Definition of climate
classes
• Development of a
climate map
The emergence of „classical climatology“
12. Climate map after Köppen (Kottek et al. 2006)
The emergence of „classical climatology“
13. • Urban climatology
• Bioclimatology and
agrometeorology
• Microclimatology
• Historical climatology
Differentiation of classical climatology
14. Characteristics of ‚classical climatology‘
Priority of geographical space (2-dim.)
• Atmospheric phenomena on the surface of the earth
Dominant tradition until the mid-20th
century
• Geographical science with interest in local detail
• Based on local observations; strong empirical tradition
• Holistic approach (human-climate interaction)
• Focus on human scales and dimensions
15. Content:
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
7. Conclusions
4. The physical understanding of the atmosphere
and the rise of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
3. Investigation of climatic changes
6. Uncertainties and trust in global models
16. 2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
Airplane of the Wright brothers
in 1904
Zeppelin L 10 in 1912
Airtraffic required good knowledge of the meteorology of
higher layers of the atmosphere.
17. • 1920s: strong winds above 10 km height (Wasaburo
Ooishi, Johannes Georgi)
The rise of aerology
• 1900s: Soundings with kites and balloons
• 1930s: systematic,
internationally coordinated
vertical sounding with
radiosondes
• 1939: term „jet stream“ („Strahlstrom“) introduced by
Heinrich Seilkopf
18. High altitude weather maps since 1935
500 mb level, 31 January 1953
Richard Scherhag
(1907-1970)
20. Globalization of climatological knowledge
• Discovery of large-scale and global physical interactions
• Global knowledge for explaining regional phenomena
(weather forecasting, monsoon)
• Expansion beyond human dimensions
• Still focus on empirical tradition and local detail
• Strong personal relation to and identification with local
weather and climate
Priority of space including
the vertical dimension
21. Content:
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
3. Investigation of climatic changes
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
7. Conclusions
4. The physical understanding of the atmosphere
and the rise of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
6. Uncertainties and trust in global models
22. Glaciological field research
Hans Wilhelmsson Ahlmann (1889-1974)
Investigation of ice budgets of glaciers in the 1930s by Swedish
glaciologist Hans W. Ahlmann
23. Callendar‘s theory of global warming
by accumulation of CO2
Temperature records from 1820 to 1935
Guy Callendar
24. Climatologists response
• Scepticism with regard to Callendar‘s global
explanatory approach
• Callendar could not explain the majority of regional
and local details of climatic shifts
• Alternative explanation by Richard Scherhag: warming
due to temporary geographical shifts of the
atmospheric circulation
• Stronger focus on the investigation of climatic
changes within human times scales
25. • Collection of historical weather
data (since mid-1950s)
• Investigation and understanding of
past climate and its variations
Historical climatology
Hubert H. Lamb
(1913-1997)
“Without a record of climate’s past behavior extending back
(…), the subject would be in the situation of a branch of
physics in which the basic laboratory observations of the
phenomena to be explained had not been made. There can
be no sound theory without such an observation record”.
(Lamb 1986, p. 17).
26. Hans von Rudloff: The variations and oscillations of climate in
Europe since the beginning of regular instrumental
observation (1967)
Climatic variation
„These small climatic changes,
fluctuations and oscillations will
only with the help of exact, tested
and homogenuous long term
observational series be
determined. Only this way we
receive incorrupt representations
about the limits, within which
climate fluctuates“ (p. 2).
27. Hermann Flohn
(1912-1997)
Development of a „modern climatology“
• Development of a
”modern” or ”general”
climatology
• Integration of geographical
and physical approaches
• Expansion of climatology
to all dimensions
• Consideration of global
interactions and local detail
Consideration of space and time (4-dim.)
28. Content:
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
3. Investigation og climatic changes
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
7. Conclusions
4. The physical understanding of the atmosphere
and the rise of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
6. Uncertainties and trust in global models
29. 4. The physical understanding of the atmo-
sphere and the rise of climate modeling
Vilhelm BjerknesComplete description of the
atmosphere (Bjerknes 1904)
30. • Definition of a grid
Lewis Fry Richardson
• „numerical“ solutions
The promise of weather forecasting
31. Carl-Gustav Rossby
WWII and Cold War: militarization of meteorology
John von Neumann
• Ample military funding
• Strong institutional expansion
32. John von Neumann‘s vision: the computer as scientific tool
ENIAC
Computer-based numerical weather prediction
Von Neumann‘s team for
numerical weather prediction
33. Conflict at the UK Meteorological Office
Lamb 1969: “The computer models of atmospheric behavior
and other climatic areas may be unrealistic, and may
therefore proceed too far and too fast on faulty basic
assumptions. Such developments should be preceded by
acquiring fuller and firmer factual knowledge” (p. 1215).
John B. Mason:
focus on numerical
weather prediction
Hubert Lamb lost
support at the UK
MetOffice
34. The rise of climate modelling,
1955-1970
• Drastically simplified model
• Simulation over a period
of about 30 days
Norman
Phillips
Successful experiment by
Norman Phillips 1955
Yale Mintz (1958):
“… the overall remarkable success achieved by Phillips in
using the hydrodynamical equations to predict the mean
zonal wind and (…) circulations of the atmosphere must be
considered one of the landmarks of meteorology.”
36. Heuristic computer modeling
• Computer models
served to understand
atmospheric processes
• Simulations were
performed on large
grids elements
• Simulations included
significant simplifications
Priority of time
37. Content:
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
7. Conclusions
4. The physical understanding of the atmosphere
and the rise of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
6. Uncertainties and trust in global models
3. Investigation of climatic changes
39. Global CO2- and radiation budgets of the earth
Keeling curve (1971)
Charles KeelingGilbert Plass
Roger Revelle
40. John Murray Mitchell 1961, p. 237
Observations of decadal climatic change
Priority of time
41. William Welch Kellogg (1971, p. 123):
“there is the haunting realization that man may be able
to change the climate of the planet Earth. This, I
believe, is one of the most important questions of our
time, and it must certainly rank near the top of the
priority list in atmospheric science.”
Climate modeling and the CO2 problem
Kellogg’s demand: “Predicting the Climate”
43. (p. 965)
Climate projection by
Hansen et al. (1981)
with a 1-dimensional
climate model
Global climate projection by James Hansen (1981)
• Focus on global
mean temperature
• Focus on long-term
prediction
46. Knowledge on large scales
• Predominant political interest in long-term prediction
• Focus on global coverage with limited spatial detail
• Limited reliability of regional scale predictions
Priority of time on large scales
• Lead parameter global mean temperature
• Limited reliability of precipitation data
• Neglection of human temporal and spatial scales
47. Content:
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
7. Conclusions
4. The physical understanding of the atmosphere
and the rise of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
6. Uncertainties and trust in global models
3. Investigation of climatic changes
48. (p. 965)
Climate projection by
Hansen et al. (1981)
with a 1-dimensional
climate model
Could Hansen’s projections be trusted?
49. Hansen et al. 1981: Climate Impact of
Increasing Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
(Science, p. 957-966)
Discussed uncertainties
• vegetation albedo feedback: no reliable assessment (p. 958f).
• “lack of knowledge of ocean processes partly introduces
uncertainties about the time dependence of global warming” (p.
959f).
• “the impact of tropospheric aerosols on climate is uncertain in
sense and magnitude due to their range of composition” (p. 960).
• “the nature and causes of variability of cloud cover, optical
thickness, and altitude distribution are not well known” (p. 960).
• “Solar luminosity variations, which constitute another likely
mechanism, are unknown” (p. 962f).
51. “The general agreement between modeled and observed
temperature trends strongly suggests that CO2
and
volcanic aerosols are responsible for much of the global
temperature variation in the past century. Key
consequences are: (i) empirical evidence that much of
the global climate variability on time scales of decades to
centuries is deterministic and (ii) improved confidence in
the ability of models to predict future CO2 climate effects.”
(p. 964; emphasis by Hansen et al.).
Hansen et al. 1981: Climate Impact of
Increasing Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
52. Kellogg’s response to Lorenz
„It can be seen, then, that there is an entire hierarchy
of models of the climate system … It is reassuring to
see that, when we compare the results of experiments
with the same perturbations … but using different
models, the response is generally found to be either
about the same or differs by an amount that can be
rationalized in terms of recognized model differences
or assumptions“ (p. 9).
WMO Report 1977:
53. Kellogg’s response to Lorenz
„Of course, it is possible that all our models could be
utterly wrong in the same way, giving a false sense of
confidence, but it seems highly unlikely that we
would still be so completely ignorant about any
dominant set of processes … (Kellogg 1977, p. 9;
my emphasis).
WMO Report 1977:
54. • All scientists emphasized the great uncertainties in
climate modeling and simulation
• But uncertainties could not be quantified and did not
have a visible impact on model output.
• “Good” simulation results (good fits) had a stronger
confirmatory power (“statement”) than knowledge about
uncertainties (“qualification”)
• Model validation was not a major controversial issue in
the scientific discussion
The missed dimension
The missed dimension: in practice
uncertainties did not matter
55. 7. Conclusions
2. The „conquest of the third dimension“
3. Investigation of climatic changes
1. The ‚classical‘ climatological research tradition
4. The physical
understanding of the
atmosphere and the rise
of climate modeling
5. The CO2-problem
Expansion of
climatology
Globalizing reductionism:
•Loss of the human
•Loss of the local
Priority of global knowledge
56. • Climatic processes are large-scale and systemic
and demand global coverage
• Dehumanization and a loss of the human scale is
related to the marginalization of the regional and local
• Priority of physical research vs. marginalization of
geographical research (e. g. climatology, glaciology)
How and why did climate knowledge experienced
globalization, dehumanization and a loss of human
scales?