Sunlight Is Increasing On Earth

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 5-6-2005 | Nic Fleming

[blam]

Sunlight is increasing on Earth

By Nic Fleming, Science Correspondent
(Filed: 06/05/2005)

More sunlight is reaching the Earth's surface than it was 15 years ago, scientists reveal today.

American researchers say there has been a four per cent rise in the amount of solar radiation reaching the planet's surface since 1990.

Several studies have shown that up until the late 1980s, four to six per cent less sunlight penetrated the atmosphere than during the 1950s.

Researchers believe the shift could be explained by the varying quantity and composition of aerosols, tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air.

Other theories include changes in cloud cover or in atmospheric transparency caused by volcanic eruptions.

Scientists believe that an increase in the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface could add to the greenhouse effect, the warming caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide and other gasses that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Many believe the effects of these trends are already being seen in the melting of polar ice and glaciers.

[TBall]

Nor English./?

[Blood of Tyrants]

But notice that they STILL tried to claim that CO₂ and other gasses were what was REALLY to blame.

[KC_for_Freedom]

Oh dear, is everything a two edged sword? BTW, I am one who does not believe man's activities have contributed in any measurable way to the warming of the atmosphere, (i can accept that the solar level is changing, going up and that can result in heating.) So in all fairness to these scientists who believe the air is not more transparent to solar energy I have to say BS. If it is true, (which I suspect is still not measurable.) Then I would much more likely say that cloud cover is changing or we have not had enough volcanos this year or something elxe. Not that we have X number of cars with better catalytic converters, NO NO.

[Junior]

Isn't the energy from the sun something like 2 watts per square meter? If it increases, then solar power becomes increasingly viable. The eco freaks should be ecstatic.

[Sam Cree]

I don't trust these guys (any of them) to even measure this correctly, much less figure out why it's happening. Or not happening. Or doing the opposite of what they think it is.

[Old Professer]

Scientists believe that an increase in the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface could add to the greenhouse effect, the warming caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide and other gasses that trap heat in the atmosphere.

If ever I saw a Tar-Baby trapped in the throes of an epileptic fit, it is this.

[Old Professer]

Indoor bathrooms.

[dufekin]

Yeah, but your warming in Alaska isn't global. Go blame the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which has been in a generally warm phase since 1977/78. Unfortunately, we don't have good data for Alaska from the last positive phase, which ended in the 1940s. In any case, the oscillation has amplified since then, so Alaska should be warmer. (It was just as amplified during the 1700s.)

[blam]

"We also had a record fire season last summer and this spring is starting out just as dry as last year."

We've (Mobile) had the 3rd wettest April ever recorded. I've already had three gardens completely wash away...you wouldn't believe the rain volume. Washed out a lot of state and county roads too.

[blam]

"I'm not a biology major or anything, but wouldn't an excess supply of carbon dioxide make it easier for plants to thrive."

Yup. I used to have a natural gas heater in my greenhouse, the plants loved it...of course, I couldn't go in there until I vented it.

[Right Wing Assault]

If we get more sunlight, it must be our fault. If we get less sunlight, if must be our fault. If we get the same sunlight, it must be our fault.

No matter what you do, you are wrong. Just get used to being blamed for everything, even contradictions.

[Right Wing Assault]

In Cleveland we broke our annual snow record by almost a foot and a half. It snowed Monday and Tuesday.