Didn't Global Warming Theory Predict An Increase In Ice Levels At The Poles?

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of polar ice levels and their relationship to global warming. The conversation touches on various points, including the current recovery of polar ice due to sun cycles and lack of sun spots, the predicted increase of precipitation in the Arctic regions, and the potential impact of decreased cloud cover on sea ice growth. The conversation also raises the question of what can be considered as confirmation of a hypothesis and the logical fallacy of affirming the consequent.
  • #1
LightbulbSun
65
2
If so, wasn't it confirmed when we saw an increase in ice levels at the poles this year?
 
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  • #2
NO
if Earth gets warmer ice melts

current polar ice recovery is due to the sun cycles
and the current lack of sun spots
 
  • #3
ray b said:
NO
if Earth gets warmer ice melts

current polar ice recovery is due to the sun cycles
and the current lack of sun spots

Actually the IPCC predicts an increase of precipitation / snow in the Arctic regions, not an increase in sea ice.

Increased precipitation rates are logical since the moisture contents of the air decreases strongly with temperatures. Heavy snowfall below some 20 degrees Celsius (-3F) is rare. It's too cold to snow. So if the temperatures increase from -30 to -20 you could expect more snow.

This is also assumed to be the relation between alleged temperature and snow accumulation in the past as analyzed from the ice cores:

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/paleo/pubs/alley2000/alley2000.gif

Obviously the sea ice growth is depending on many factors, with probably the most important, the lack of clouds, reducing back IR radiation. You can see that effect under bridges, under which, the water takes the longest to freeze, because the bridge radiates IR radiation back to the water.

LightbulbSun said:
If so, wasn't it confirmed when we saw an increase in ice levels at the poles this year?

What is "confirmed"? One year does not a trend make. Sea ice was relatively low in the Arctic but more extensive in the Antarctic, so what to say about that? Moreover even if predictions are confirmed, it would support a hypothesis but it does not proof it. Especially binary predictions (more or less) are less convincing than daring / counter-intuitive predictions.

Finally, concluding from a successful prediction that a hypothesis is correct is a logical fallacy, known as "affirming the consequent": A then B, B hence A. Or: If it is snowing, the fields are white. Now the fields are white, hence it is snowing.
 

1. Why is there still ice at the poles if global warming is happening?

While global warming does cause an overall increase in temperature, it also leads to changes in weather patterns and ocean currents. This can result in increased snowfall and colder temperatures in some areas, leading to an overall increase in ice levels at the poles. Additionally, ice can take longer to melt than other forms of precipitation, so it may take some time for the effects of global warming to be seen in the polar regions.

2. Is the increase in ice levels at the poles significant in the larger context of global warming?

The increase in ice levels at the poles is relatively small compared to the overall trend of melting ice in other parts of the world. In fact, scientists have observed a significant decline in sea ice extent in the Arctic and Antarctic regions over the past few decades. This trend is consistent with the effects of global warming and the overall warming of the planet.

3. Does this mean that global warming is not real?

No, the increase in ice levels at the poles does not disprove the reality of global warming. It is important to remember that global warming refers to the long-term trend of increasing temperatures and changes in climate patterns, rather than just short-term fluctuations. The overall trend of melting ice in other parts of the world and increasing global temperatures is still a clear indication of the reality of global warming.

4. How do scientists explain the increase in ice levels at the poles?

Scientists attribute the increase in ice levels at the poles to a combination of factors, including changes in weather patterns, ocean currents, and natural variability. Additionally, some studies suggest that the melting of land-based ice sheets, such as in Greenland and Antarctica, can cause changes in ocean currents that may result in more ice accumulation in certain parts of the polar regions.

5. Will the increase in ice levels at the poles continue in the future?

It is difficult to predict with certainty what will happen to ice levels at the poles in the future. While some studies suggest that the increase in ice levels may continue in the short-term, the long-term trend of melting ice and increasing temperatures is expected to continue due to the continued release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is important to focus on long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations in ice levels at the poles when discussing the reality of global warming.

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