How Global Warming Could Cause An Ice Age?
December 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Environment
Mike Hirn asked:
An Ice Age brought on by global warming was the scenario depicted in the movie THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. While the science on which the movie based has been called into question, there may be some merit in the theory that global warming could cause an Ice Age.
Why is Europe’s climate comparitively milder than other places at the same latitude? Alaska and Greenland, both the same distance to the North Pole as Europe, are covered with ice and permafrost while most of Europe is not.
The ocean currents called the Gulf Stream bring warm waters up to Europe from the Caribbean. This water brings warmth to the countries in its path. Cooler water from Europe feeds back into the loop and causes the water to flow back to the Caribbean in a continuous cycle.
If an Ice Age occurs, it will likely be due to the melting of polar ice. This will dump large quantities of cold, fresh water into the ocean. It would disrupt the Gulf Stream and cause the cooling of many areas that now have milder climates. The return flow of cold water from Greenland, which goes back to the Caribbean, has already showed a weakening over the last 50 years. There has been a twenty percent decline in the amount of current flowing in this direction. It stands to reason that the warm waters returning from the Caribbean have also decreased in volume. The change would not be gradual. This is a phenomenon that takes place rather quickly. Perhaps it does not happen as fast as depicted in THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. However, it could happen within a few short years.
A slowing or stoppage of the Gulf Stream would affect the entire earth. Observations have been made of current data and historical information gleaned by studying the ocean and the lands around it. With all the information at hand, it appears that it is indeed possible that global warming could bring about a modern Ice Age.
An Ice Age brought on by global warming was the scenario depicted in the movie THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. While the science on which the movie based has been called into question, there may be some merit in the theory that global warming could cause an Ice Age.
Why is Europe’s climate comparitively milder than other places at the same latitude? Alaska and Greenland, both the same distance to the North Pole as Europe, are covered with ice and permafrost while most of Europe is not.
The ocean currents called the Gulf Stream bring warm waters up to Europe from the Caribbean. This water brings warmth to the countries in its path. Cooler water from Europe feeds back into the loop and causes the water to flow back to the Caribbean in a continuous cycle.
If an Ice Age occurs, it will likely be due to the melting of polar ice. This will dump large quantities of cold, fresh water into the ocean. It would disrupt the Gulf Stream and cause the cooling of many areas that now have milder climates. The return flow of cold water from Greenland, which goes back to the Caribbean, has already showed a weakening over the last 50 years. There has been a twenty percent decline in the amount of current flowing in this direction. It stands to reason that the warm waters returning from the Caribbean have also decreased in volume. The change would not be gradual. This is a phenomenon that takes place rather quickly. Perhaps it does not happen as fast as depicted in THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. However, it could happen within a few short years.
A slowing or stoppage of the Gulf Stream would affect the entire earth. Observations have been made of current data and historical information gleaned by studying the ocean and the lands around it. With all the information at hand, it appears that it is indeed possible that global warming could bring about a modern Ice Age.
Global Warming Concerns Astrophysics
November 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Environment
Dilip Dahanukar asked:
My wife told me one evening that her friend Sarah was to visit India and would be spending a day with her. There was nothing in it that alarmed me as my wife, who is a painter, has friends all over the World and somebody or the other is always visiting her. But when she told me that Sarah was an astrophysicist, my ears perked up. She had missed me during her visit last year as I was out of town.
Sarah arrived wearing a gorgeous sari looking like a senior accomplished stately woman. Indians like me are now used to a white woman in a sari with years of watching Sonia Gandhi on the TV. With Sarah was her friend Needra, a young tall dark beautiful Sri Lankan woman who too was an astrophysicist! She said she was wearing a sari for the first time at the insistence of Sarah. When I asked her about it, Sarah went on a detailed narrative how she was initiated into wearing a sari by the wife of the Director of the Institute and had thereafter adopted the sari as her preferred dress. I noted her crystal clear memory as the event had taken place at least thirty years back!
Sarah started talking to me about my book which I had written in 1978 and a copy of which my wife had given her on her last visit. The book was about National Planning and many of the ideas written in it had since then materialized. But I had forgotten about it! I brushed it aside and told them about my new books on science fiction. One of them, titled Alby was about a computer entity who ventured out into deep space. But I wanted them to read it first so I gave them a copy and didn’t tell them what it was all about. I also gave them a copy of my book eMaya on how to stop Global warming, to see if they are interested about our planet.
I offered them Single Malt whiskey to get them talking, but as they sipped they did not bring up any topics of Universe or Space. Neither of them mentioned any galaxies, black holes, not even the solar system! Sarah talked about the scientists and the lives of their families, and many small memorable events that took place when she worked with them in India. Needra was to give a lecture on a subject of astrophysics in Pune to a group of scientists there. She did not disclose any snippets from her forthcoming speech. She never even mentioned the subject of her lecture.
But the amazing quality which seeped through their beings vibed something immortal. They watched everything with tremendous zeal and intensity and absorbed their communication with whomever they met with rapt attention of all their senses. Looking back about my encounter with them I felt that they were like visitors from deep space; from an unknown destination wandering about from galaxy to galaxy imbibing everything what they sensed to take it back with them. They appeared timeless creatures wandering about in appreciation of the Universe.
Why do they radiate such immortality? Why do they appear so close yet so distant? Why do they take such deep interest in their fellow colleagues and their families? These were the question marks which popped up in my mind. I tried to find answers and in the process discovered the truth. They were into astrophysics which is the science of the Universe. A dictionary search as to its meaning yielded the following:
Astrophysics: The branch of astronomy that deals with the physical and chemical processes that occur in stars, galaxies, and interstellar space. Astrophysics deals with the structure and evolution of stars, the properties of interstellar space and its interactions with systems of stars, and with the structure and dynamics of clusters of stars such as galaxies.
It dawned on me that if you are dealing with the structure and evolution of stars and dynamics of galaxies, you are exploring and trying to understand a very long time span ranging for billions of years. When you study the subject intensely, you go deep into it and it occupies your mind. No doubt the mind of a devoted astrophysicist is possessed with stars, comets and galaxies. Their minds are stretched to infinity. They pervade the whole Universe. These astros dream into space, of black holes and super novas. Why are they dwelling on such remote objects? Are they agents of Providence to prepare Man for his scheme of things?
Then I realized that there are only a few persons in the whole World who are into this discipline. Their knowledge is of no practical use to any human requirement now or in anyone’s lifetime. As their knowledge does not touch the life of the common man, they keep it within themselves taking care not to mention it in public. I thought that if they talked about a twin star system in a distant galaxy 1000 light years away and the rotation of their moons, they might find the eyes of the lay listeners questioning their sanity. But within their community there are open and frank and have nothing to hide about the sky and what it beholds! They band together as a very closely knit family. Everyone knows everyone in the field and they exchange the smallest detail about the lives of one another. But this intensive interest in life spills over to their friends who are not into astrophysics. My wife and I are fortunate to experience such extraordinary friendship.
Sarah and Needra went travelling to South India where they met more of their kind. And when they returned, we had them over for dinner. Much to my disappointment, they had not read my science fiction book Alby. They were more interested in participating in their friends’ earthly lives. I was a bit disappointed as I looked forward to an interesting discussion on my science fiction. I mentioned to them parts of the story and that the spaceship engine in the book accelerates the ship to 80% of the speed of light without ejecting out any mass! It is a practical answer to travel to nearby stars of the Milky Way. It was then the two sat up. Sarah immediately discarded my idea. But I goaded them to read the book and check the results of the prototype engine on Google.
But they had perused through my other book eMaya on Global warming. Sarah had seen the reviews on Amazon. She got talking on it. She said she was impressed with the way I had handled a difficult and a dry subject and brought the concerns about emissions, ice melting, nuclear power and population in simple and lucid terms. Needra remarked that it had a lot of information on all subjects concerning climate control of Earth and much more. They both really enjoyed reading it. I was amused to see that these astrophysicists were concerned about few degrees rise in temperature of our planet. Normally they wouldn’t bat an eyelid to see the temperature of a star shoot up by a million degrees, explode and become Super Nova! But Sarah had liked the book and agreed with the conclusions of eMaya on climate control.
We parted with hugs, handshakes, and pleasantries. I got a feeling that these starry women knew more than any mortal like me. I wondered what their mission would be in their next lives. I wished I could offer them a galactic penny for their thoughts! But I consoled my mind by saying that wait, they will be back! And now I am patiently waiting for the next encounter.
My wife told me one evening that her friend Sarah was to visit India and would be spending a day with her. There was nothing in it that alarmed me as my wife, who is a painter, has friends all over the World and somebody or the other is always visiting her. But when she told me that Sarah was an astrophysicist, my ears perked up. She had missed me during her visit last year as I was out of town.
Sarah arrived wearing a gorgeous sari looking like a senior accomplished stately woman. Indians like me are now used to a white woman in a sari with years of watching Sonia Gandhi on the TV. With Sarah was her friend Needra, a young tall dark beautiful Sri Lankan woman who too was an astrophysicist! She said she was wearing a sari for the first time at the insistence of Sarah. When I asked her about it, Sarah went on a detailed narrative how she was initiated into wearing a sari by the wife of the Director of the Institute and had thereafter adopted the sari as her preferred dress. I noted her crystal clear memory as the event had taken place at least thirty years back!
Sarah started talking to me about my book which I had written in 1978 and a copy of which my wife had given her on her last visit. The book was about National Planning and many of the ideas written in it had since then materialized. But I had forgotten about it! I brushed it aside and told them about my new books on science fiction. One of them, titled Alby was about a computer entity who ventured out into deep space. But I wanted them to read it first so I gave them a copy and didn’t tell them what it was all about. I also gave them a copy of my book eMaya on how to stop Global warming, to see if they are interested about our planet.
I offered them Single Malt whiskey to get them talking, but as they sipped they did not bring up any topics of Universe or Space. Neither of them mentioned any galaxies, black holes, not even the solar system! Sarah talked about the scientists and the lives of their families, and many small memorable events that took place when she worked with them in India. Needra was to give a lecture on a subject of astrophysics in Pune to a group of scientists there. She did not disclose any snippets from her forthcoming speech. She never even mentioned the subject of her lecture.
But the amazing quality which seeped through their beings vibed something immortal. They watched everything with tremendous zeal and intensity and absorbed their communication with whomever they met with rapt attention of all their senses. Looking back about my encounter with them I felt that they were like visitors from deep space; from an unknown destination wandering about from galaxy to galaxy imbibing everything what they sensed to take it back with them. They appeared timeless creatures wandering about in appreciation of the Universe.
Why do they radiate such immortality? Why do they appear so close yet so distant? Why do they take such deep interest in their fellow colleagues and their families? These were the question marks which popped up in my mind. I tried to find answers and in the process discovered the truth. They were into astrophysics which is the science of the Universe. A dictionary search as to its meaning yielded the following:
Astrophysics: The branch of astronomy that deals with the physical and chemical processes that occur in stars, galaxies, and interstellar space. Astrophysics deals with the structure and evolution of stars, the properties of interstellar space and its interactions with systems of stars, and with the structure and dynamics of clusters of stars such as galaxies.
It dawned on me that if you are dealing with the structure and evolution of stars and dynamics of galaxies, you are exploring and trying to understand a very long time span ranging for billions of years. When you study the subject intensely, you go deep into it and it occupies your mind. No doubt the mind of a devoted astrophysicist is possessed with stars, comets and galaxies. Their minds are stretched to infinity. They pervade the whole Universe. These astros dream into space, of black holes and super novas. Why are they dwelling on such remote objects? Are they agents of Providence to prepare Man for his scheme of things?
Then I realized that there are only a few persons in the whole World who are into this discipline. Their knowledge is of no practical use to any human requirement now or in anyone’s lifetime. As their knowledge does not touch the life of the common man, they keep it within themselves taking care not to mention it in public. I thought that if they talked about a twin star system in a distant galaxy 1000 light years away and the rotation of their moons, they might find the eyes of the lay listeners questioning their sanity. But within their community there are open and frank and have nothing to hide about the sky and what it beholds! They band together as a very closely knit family. Everyone knows everyone in the field and they exchange the smallest detail about the lives of one another. But this intensive interest in life spills over to their friends who are not into astrophysics. My wife and I are fortunate to experience such extraordinary friendship.
Sarah and Needra went travelling to South India where they met more of their kind. And when they returned, we had them over for dinner. Much to my disappointment, they had not read my science fiction book Alby. They were more interested in participating in their friends’ earthly lives. I was a bit disappointed as I looked forward to an interesting discussion on my science fiction. I mentioned to them parts of the story and that the spaceship engine in the book accelerates the ship to 80% of the speed of light without ejecting out any mass! It is a practical answer to travel to nearby stars of the Milky Way. It was then the two sat up. Sarah immediately discarded my idea. But I goaded them to read the book and check the results of the prototype engine on Google.
But they had perused through my other book eMaya on Global warming. Sarah had seen the reviews on Amazon. She got talking on it. She said she was impressed with the way I had handled a difficult and a dry subject and brought the concerns about emissions, ice melting, nuclear power and population in simple and lucid terms. Needra remarked that it had a lot of information on all subjects concerning climate control of Earth and much more. They both really enjoyed reading it. I was amused to see that these astrophysicists were concerned about few degrees rise in temperature of our planet. Normally they wouldn’t bat an eyelid to see the temperature of a star shoot up by a million degrees, explode and become Super Nova! But Sarah had liked the book and agreed with the conclusions of eMaya on climate control.
We parted with hugs, handshakes, and pleasantries. I got a feeling that these starry women knew more than any mortal like me. I wondered what their mission would be in their next lives. I wished I could offer them a galactic penny for their thoughts! But I consoled my mind by saying that wait, they will be back! And now I am patiently waiting for the next encounter.
Understanding the Natural Causes of Global Warming is not Where it Ends
November 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Environment
Arjun Singhe asked:
While there are certainly natural causes of global warming that certainly is not where the situation stops. Many people will venture to say that the main cause of global warming is actually humans and their actions against the environment. There are a lot of things to consider though as there may still be a lot of issues and causes out there that we do not yet know about which could be working along with the natural causes of global warming. Only time and research will tell though and that is why the science community is actively working on finding out everything they can.
The thing about global warming is that not enough people really understand everything there is to currently know about the situation. Not only are our children in the dark but a lot of adults are too. This is simply unacceptable as there is no reason that we do not all know about the natural causes of global warming along with the un-natural causes and what it is doing to our environment. In order to make sure that this does not become a pattern that continues on for many years, it is important that we take action to make sure that everyone, young and old alike, learn more about this dangerous issue.
Schools Need To Step Up
While some schools out there touch a little bit on the subject of natural causes of global warming and the un-natural causes, they could certainly stand to do a little more. There is nothing wrong with extensive education on this subject as there are only good things to gain from it. Our children are our future and it will be up to them to help make sure that things with our planet remain safe and in tact. Since this is a fact that cannot be disputed, it is a shame that more and more schools are not stepping up and doing more to educate our future leaders.
If your locals schools are not doing enough to educate the children on the natural causes of global warming then you could certainly step up and teach your children what you feel would be beneficial for them to know. Even if your school is doing their part, as the parent it is up to you to reinforce the education that they are receiving on the natural causes of global warming. Take everything that you can find on the subject and make sure that you are passing it on to your children so that they too can benefit from it.
While there are certainly natural causes of global warming that certainly is not where the situation stops. Many people will venture to say that the main cause of global warming is actually humans and their actions against the environment. There are a lot of things to consider though as there may still be a lot of issues and causes out there that we do not yet know about which could be working along with the natural causes of global warming. Only time and research will tell though and that is why the science community is actively working on finding out everything they can.
The thing about global warming is that not enough people really understand everything there is to currently know about the situation. Not only are our children in the dark but a lot of adults are too. This is simply unacceptable as there is no reason that we do not all know about the natural causes of global warming along with the un-natural causes and what it is doing to our environment. In order to make sure that this does not become a pattern that continues on for many years, it is important that we take action to make sure that everyone, young and old alike, learn more about this dangerous issue.
Schools Need To Step Up
While some schools out there touch a little bit on the subject of natural causes of global warming and the un-natural causes, they could certainly stand to do a little more. There is nothing wrong with extensive education on this subject as there are only good things to gain from it. Our children are our future and it will be up to them to help make sure that things with our planet remain safe and in tact. Since this is a fact that cannot be disputed, it is a shame that more and more schools are not stepping up and doing more to educate our future leaders.
If your locals schools are not doing enough to educate the children on the natural causes of global warming then you could certainly step up and teach your children what you feel would be beneficial for them to know. Even if your school is doing their part, as the parent it is up to you to reinforce the education that they are receiving on the natural causes of global warming. Take everything that you can find on the subject and make sure that you are passing it on to your children so that they too can benefit from it.
Understanding Global Warming
August 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under Environment
Arjun Singhe asked:
Currently no one really knows the exact cause of global warming although it is a big part of what science is researching. There are a lot of efforts being placed into finding out the exact cause of this and to figure out how to stop it from going much further. We can speculate however what may happen if global warming is not put to a stop and put to a stop very soon. While there are many people out there with outlandish stories of what is going to happen to the world, there is some underlying cause of concern with the issue of global warming that should not be ignored in the slightest bit.
First, we all need to understand just what exactly global warming is and that is the increase of the average temperature of the surface air and the temperatures of the oceans. The temperatures have slowing increased over the years showing that this may be a trend that could very well get out of hand one day. Of course, many people and scientists are claiming that human activity could very well be the main cause of all of the problems with global warming. But there are of course natural causes that have to be taken into consideration as well.
Getting Educated
When it comes to making sure that future generations know that global warming is something serious that they need to be cautious of, there is nothing more important then education. If we just continue to ignore the subject then our future generations will not truly understand the seriousness of it and just go on allowing this whole thing to get more and more out of control. Global warming is something that should be taught in every school starting in the grade school years. Even though the younger kids cannot understand all of the complexities of the situation, they can be taught a lot of the basics just to get them to understand age appropriate things regarding the situation.
As child progress into their older years then the teachings can get a little in depth within the schools. Projects and assignments on global warming is a great way to make sure that the kids are truly getting involved and that they are really thinking hard about this. Whether or not your school district is teaching a good bit on global warming, it is a good idea to make sure that you are talking about it at home. This will reinforce what is being learned at school about global warming and your child will see that this is truly something to take serious at all times.
Currently no one really knows the exact cause of global warming although it is a big part of what science is researching. There are a lot of efforts being placed into finding out the exact cause of this and to figure out how to stop it from going much further. We can speculate however what may happen if global warming is not put to a stop and put to a stop very soon. While there are many people out there with outlandish stories of what is going to happen to the world, there is some underlying cause of concern with the issue of global warming that should not be ignored in the slightest bit.
First, we all need to understand just what exactly global warming is and that is the increase of the average temperature of the surface air and the temperatures of the oceans. The temperatures have slowing increased over the years showing that this may be a trend that could very well get out of hand one day. Of course, many people and scientists are claiming that human activity could very well be the main cause of all of the problems with global warming. But there are of course natural causes that have to be taken into consideration as well.
Getting Educated
When it comes to making sure that future generations know that global warming is something serious that they need to be cautious of, there is nothing more important then education. If we just continue to ignore the subject then our future generations will not truly understand the seriousness of it and just go on allowing this whole thing to get more and more out of control. Global warming is something that should be taught in every school starting in the grade school years. Even though the younger kids cannot understand all of the complexities of the situation, they can be taught a lot of the basics just to get them to understand age appropriate things regarding the situation.
As child progress into their older years then the teachings can get a little in depth within the schools. Projects and assignments on global warming is a great way to make sure that the kids are truly getting involved and that they are really thinking hard about this. Whether or not your school district is teaching a good bit on global warming, it is a good idea to make sure that you are talking about it at home. This will reinforce what is being learned at school about global warming and your child will see that this is truly something to take serious at all times.
You can help stop global warming
Darren Chow asked:
Have you ever heard about global warming? You must have heard about it from the news, your friends, or environmental groups trying to sue irresponsible companies that destroy our ozone layer. If you think that it is not a serious matter, think again. Research about it during your free time for it is a matter that involves all of us and you need to take part in it if you are a responsible citizen, anywhere you are in the world. When you have decided that it is indeed a serious matter, the next step is to find ways on how to help alleviate it, if not stop it. One promising way that you can employ in your daily life is to invest on things like the solar panels or solar power system. As you will see, they can help the environment because they create lesser emissions and they can also help your monthly budget during the economic crisis.
The concept of the solar panels, solar power system, and the wind generator delves on using the power of the sun and the wind in creating electricity. While science acknowledges this process, not many companies use the opportunity to improve our energy consumption in a level that is more environment-friendly. The reason could be that they might not achieve measurable returns from it. As this is downright selfishness, an ordinary person cannot do anything but to succumb to costly electric bills. This is one the drivers that push the development of this technology. Because these things harness something that is already present in our environment, they become cheaper. The solar power system is indeed a very good alternative to your conventional electricity source.
In order to be a responsible citizen, install a solar power system in your home or a wind generator. You might be doubtful because such a thing is hard to achieve. The thing is, there are concerned entrepreneurs that have developed their own manuals that can effectively teach you how to construct your own solar panels. Buying one may cost you more than what is needed so a manual is what you need to find. It should not give you a hard time because they are designed to be user-friendly and easily understandable. In just a weekend, you have your own environment-friendly solar panels and you are then ready to make huge savings.
If you want to help the environment even a little, try making sensible actions and start by using alternatives like solar panels and solar power system. Yes we cannot live without electricity but we need to be responsible. If this is the case, then this is a very good alternative.
Have you ever heard about global warming? You must have heard about it from the news, your friends, or environmental groups trying to sue irresponsible companies that destroy our ozone layer. If you think that it is not a serious matter, think again. Research about it during your free time for it is a matter that involves all of us and you need to take part in it if you are a responsible citizen, anywhere you are in the world. When you have decided that it is indeed a serious matter, the next step is to find ways on how to help alleviate it, if not stop it. One promising way that you can employ in your daily life is to invest on things like the solar panels or solar power system. As you will see, they can help the environment because they create lesser emissions and they can also help your monthly budget during the economic crisis.
The concept of the solar panels, solar power system, and the wind generator delves on using the power of the sun and the wind in creating electricity. While science acknowledges this process, not many companies use the opportunity to improve our energy consumption in a level that is more environment-friendly. The reason could be that they might not achieve measurable returns from it. As this is downright selfishness, an ordinary person cannot do anything but to succumb to costly electric bills. This is one the drivers that push the development of this technology. Because these things harness something that is already present in our environment, they become cheaper. The solar power system is indeed a very good alternative to your conventional electricity source.
In order to be a responsible citizen, install a solar power system in your home or a wind generator. You might be doubtful because such a thing is hard to achieve. The thing is, there are concerned entrepreneurs that have developed their own manuals that can effectively teach you how to construct your own solar panels. Buying one may cost you more than what is needed so a manual is what you need to find. It should not give you a hard time because they are designed to be user-friendly and easily understandable. In just a weekend, you have your own environment-friendly solar panels and you are then ready to make huge savings.
If you want to help the environment even a little, try making sensible actions and start by using alternatives like solar panels and solar power system. Yes we cannot live without electricity but we need to be responsible. If this is the case, then this is a very good alternative.
