The genesis of energy balance modeling and the cool sun paradox
1990; Elsevier BV; Volume: 82; Issue: 3-4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0031-0182(12)80002-2
ISSN1872-616X
Autores Tópico(s)Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
ResumoThe works of S.A. Arrhenius and W.J. Humphreys relating to the radiation balance of the earth are reviewed briefly. These pioneers in energy balance climatology showed considerable understanding of the processes modulating the climate system and helped pave the way for later research. A coarse grid global climate model is then used to try to resolve one of the first puzzles to emerge from climate modeling, the cool sun paradox. The effort is partially successful. Even after 100 model years with a 30% reduction of the solar constant, 30% of the earth's land surface is still snow free. Continental snow cover advances much more rapidly in the northern hemisphere than in the southern hemisphere as the solar constant decreases. At a decrease of 15-20% the oceans are completely iced over.
Referência(s)