What is Sensitivity: Definition and 111 Discussions

Climate sensitivity is a measure of how much the Earth's climate will cool or warm after a change in the climate system, for instance, how much it will warm for doubling in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. In technical terms, climate sensitivity is the average change in the Earth's surface temperature in response to changes in radiative forcing, the difference between incoming and outgoing energy on Earth. Climate sensitivity is a key measure in climate science, and a focus area for climate scientists, who want to understand the ultimate consequences of anthroprogenic climate change.
The Earth's surface warms as a direct consequence of increased atmospheric CO2, as well as increased concentrations of other greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and methane. Increasing temperatures have secondary effects on the climate system, such as an increase in atmospheric water vapour, which is itself also a greenhouse gas. Because scientists do not know exactly how strong these climate feedbacks are, it is difficult to precisely predict the amount of warming that will result from a given increase in greenhouse gas concentrations. If climate sensitivity turns out to be on the high side of scientific estimates, the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to below 2 °C (3.6 °F) will be difficult to achieve.The two primary types of climate sensitivity are the shorter-term "transient climate response", the increase in global average temperature that is expected to have occurred at a time when the atmospheric CO2 concentration has doubled; and "equilibrium climate sensitivity", the higher long-term increase in global average temperature expected to occur after the effects of a doubled CO2 concentration have had time to reach a steady state. Climate sensitivity is typically estimated in three ways; using direct observations of temperature and levels of greenhouse gases taken during the industrial age; using indirectly estimated temperature and other measurements from the Earth's more distant past; and modelling the various aspects of the climate system with computers.

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  1. F

    Colors and eye sensitivity

    The color coordinates of displays for portable electronics such as laptop computers generally provide smaller color spaces than for television. Battery power is a critical limitation on the light sources used for the display and maximum display brightness is desired. Explain why a reduction in...
  2. N

    Gravity Sensitivity: How Humans Perceive Changes

    How sensitive are animals, specifically humans, to changes in gravity that influence their body? I am not talking about changes that a human would feel in a variable centrifuge. The thought experiment would be: 1. A person is sat on a chair or reclined on a sofa. 2. Adjacent is a...
  3. T

    Sensitivity and Uncertainty in measurements

    Greetings fellow members, I have some queries on a laughably rudimental topic regarding measurements. Say you have a metre rule with sensitivity of 0.1cm, and you are measuring a wire which stretches from the 0.0cm starting point to the middle point between 7.3 cm and 7.4cm. My...
  4. marcus

    Higher sensitivity CMB mapper (EBEX) launched

    The balloon-borne EBEX microwave background mapper was let fly today. Andrew Jaffe's blog has a video of the launch, down in the Antarctic. video made by Aboobaker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-_2ESkCf94&...
  5. FOIWATER

    S+T=1 sensitivity of a control system

    with s being the sensitivity of a transfer function GC/(1+GC) to the parameter G. (1/(1+GC) I see mathematically how it works out. My question is about the profoundness of the statement. Qualitatively, what does it mean
  6. D

    Numerical Analysis, sensitivity root finding.

    Homework Statement Let f(x) = x^{n} - ax^{n-1},\: and \: set\: g(x) = x^{n} \\ (a) \: Use\, the\, Sensitivity\, Formula\, to\, give\, a\, prediction\, for\, the\, nonzero\, \\ root \, of\,\; f_{\epsilon }(x) = x^{n} -ax^{n-1} + \epsilon x^{n} \, for\,small\,\epsilon.\\ \\ (b) \...
  7. V

    Magnetic Sensor Sensitivity units mV/V/gauss, etc.

    So I've been looking at magnetic sensor datasheets and I see the sensitivity is usually listed in units of mV/V/gauss. What does this mean? Let's say I need to sense changes in a magnetic field that usually ranges from about 10 gauss ( 1 mT ) to about 130 gauss ( 13 mT ). And I need to be able...
  8. O

    Medical Any reaction between metal and sensitivity skin?

    Three substances of nickel, chromium and cobalt, lead to dermatitis ratio accounted for 25 substances, the first, third and fourth place. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of reactions between metal and sensitivity skin? Thanks in advance for any suggestions
  9. F

    What Makes the Wheatstone Bridge Ideal for Measuring Small Resistances?

    I'm struggling to understand what makes the wheatstone bridge such a good circuit for measuring small resistances. Essentially the bridge is just two voltage dividers and the output voltage is the difference between the two dividers. Ok so the only advantage I can see over a conventional...
  10. D

    Why is a galvanometer with low sensitivity preferred for certain measurements?

    I don't know if i understood very well what does voltmetre sensitivity mean. So, if a have a voltmetre with the sensitivity 40kohm/V and his U( in scale) is 10 V, the voltmetre internal resistance is 400kohm?
  11. A

    Accuracy, Precision and Sensitivity for measurement instruments

    My book defines accuracy as the closeness of a measurement to the real/actual value, precision as when a set of values are consistent with each other (i.e. close to each other) and sensitivity as the smallest possible reading of an instrument (i.e. to how many decimal places it can measure)...
  12. B

    Infrared and NIR Camera Sensitivity

    Problem: I'm trying to optimize an inexpensive digital camera with a CCD sensor for NIR video. As of right now (after removing the IR filter) it doesn't work well in the dark at all (even with a basic visible light filter ... obviously). I have to direct at least a little bit of regular light...
  13. A

    What is the sensitivity equation when F is dependent on both a and b?

    1. Function, F is dependent on variable a; and the sensitivity is S = \frac{\frac{\delta{F}}{F}}{\frac{\delta{a}}{a}} 2. My question is what if F is a function of two variable, a and b? In that case what would be the sensitivity equation? Is it something like: S =...
  14. S

    Sensitivity Indices: Compute Normalized Forward SI for r,a

    Homework Statement Consider the population model with dx/dt=rx(1-x)-ax/(1+x). Compute the normalized forward sensitivity indices of the (positive) internal equilibrium with respect to r and a. The default parameter values are r=4, a=3.Homework Equations SI(x,t)=(∂x/∂t)*(t/u)The Attempt at a...
  15. X

    Shwoing the sensitivity of many body systems oi small perturbations

    Homework Statement Imagine we are observing the motion of frictionless, elastically colliding billiard balls. Using sensible assumptions about the size of things, show that, if someone enters the room, small deflections of the balls due this visitor's gravitational pull will completely...
  16. P

    Find the minimum sensitivity

    Homework Statement The attempt at a solution First, we define sensitivity as the change of an instrument or transducer's output per unit change in the measured quantity. So to find the minimum sensitivity I simply plugged in the largest possible input (5.0 mm) into the equation: E =...
  17. Z

    Fermi LAT Sensitivity: Estimating Spectral Flux in Jy

    I'm trying to figure out the sensitivity of the Fermi LAT, in units of spectral flux---e.g. Jansky, or a limiting magnitude which could easily be converted. I've only found sensitivity in traditional high-energy terms, e.g: 4\times10^{-6} \textrm{ photons/s/cm}^2 for photons above 100 MeV, with...
  18. X

    Adjustable sensitivity IR Light gate

    Hi guys, this is to make something for a uni project I'm doing, not asking for the answers to a homework-type problem so I wasn't sure if it should go in the homework section, but if you think it should let me know and I will move it. So the project background is a timing system for solar...
  19. O

    OFDM frequency sensitivity (MATLAB related)

    Hello everyone, I am trying to simulate an OFDM system and part of what I want to do is investigate the Bit Error Rate with respect to frequency offset. I understand how the offset vs BER curve should be looking like the curve obtained in the code in this link...
  20. M

    Seismometer Sensitivity: Unit, Richter-Scale, Magnitude

    What is the unit of sensitivity of a seismometer? What is V/(m/sec)? How can we compare this value to the Richter-scale? What is the order of magnitude of the seismic background?
  21. Danger

    Light Sensitivity: Exploring Unusual Eye Adaptability

    This might more properly belong in the Biology section, but I figure that it might involve other factors. There's something that I've been observing for decades, but never actually noticed until last week when watching an Extreme Close-Up shot in a movie. Can anyone explain why an actor's...
  22. phy_optics

    What is the difference between responsivity and sensitivity in photodiodes?

    Hello frnds! Nice to meet you all here. Can anybody help me in understanding the exact differences between responsivity and sessitivity of a photodiode or photodetector?
  23. R

    Understanding the Human Ear's Sensitivity to 3500Hz Sounds

    Homework Statement The auditory canal of the human ear extends about 2.5 cm from the outside ear to the eardrum (a)Explain why the human ear is especially sensitive to sounds at frequencies around 3500Hz. Homework Equations Speed of sound v=344m/s The Attempt at a Solution I know...
  24. A

    Relation between sensitivity and Q-factor

    What is the relation between sensitivity and Q-factor ? of a resonant RLC circuit in some books it is given Sensitivity = Q in some other books it is given Sensitivity = 1/Q
  25. L

    Regarding current sensitivity of galvanometer

    Homework Statement a galvanometer with 50 divisions on the scale requires a current sensitivity of 0.1 m A/division. find the galvanometer current? Homework Equations IS= \theta/I TO find the galvanometer current, i multiplied 50 with 0.1 to get the galvanometer current, as instructed...
  26. B

    Glucose effectiveness and insulin sensitivity

    I'm reading an article about glucose dynamics and there were two terms I wasn't sure about. I'm guessing insulin sensitivity is how much glucose is absorbed by a certain amount of insulin, but what is glucose effectiveness? Any help is appreciated.
  27. E

    How to Improve the Sensitivity Measurement of a Chemical Sensor?

    I am developing a new chemical sensor. I want to test the sensitivity of the sensor to various chemicals such as K3Fe(CN)6 and Ascorbic Acid. My understanding was that you could use a chronoamperometry scan to do this measurement by injecting a controlled amount of chemical every 60 seconds...
  28. A

    Sensitivity of Isotopic Separation Techniques

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  29. sylas

    A low likelihood for high climate sensitivity

    I've been aware of this work for a couple of months, and it has at last got through the review processes and has been accepted for publication. Annan, J.D., and Hargreaves, J.C. (2009) On the generation and interpretation of probabilistic estimates of climate sensitivity, to appear in Climatic...
  30. M

    Could a FM transmitter amplify a 200 nanovolt signal for a gaussmeter?

    I am trying to amplify extremely small signal(around 200 nanovolt) from a coil of wire on a ferrite to make a gaussmeter, I've seen some FM transmitter schematics online that I want to connect this signal to, Would a FM transmitter be able to work with a signal this low? I tried amplifying...
  31. O

    Sensitivity Analysis of a Sensor: Calculating and Analyzing Resistance Changes

    Hello! I have the following problem My Physical System I have a sensor which changes resistance on application of force. Experiments performed In order to characterize the output of the sensor, I have done some experiments. In the one of interest here, I applied different forces and...
  32. W

    Sensitivity analysis, missing data, and hypothesis testing

    Hi, I have a large data set with with less than 10% missing values (missing response, but all predictor variables present). It is a near certainty that these values are not missing at random, dependent upon the missing value. The response is survival time of a land parcel with 'death' being...
  33. W

    Sensitivity Analysis for Missing Data: Picking Values to Try & Not Reject Null

    Hi, I have a large data set with with less than 10% missing values (missing response, but all predictor variables present). It is a near certainty that these values are not missing at random, dependent upon the missing value. The response is survival time of a land parcel with 'death' being...
  34. X

    Is CO2 the main driver of climate change over the past 420 million years?

    Came across a 2007 study concerning climate sensitivity. It was published by the Journal Nature, but only as a letter. Can't say exactly why they do that, but it probably hasn't been scrutinized as closely as it would be otherwise. Anyhow, in this study, atmospheric CO2 concentrations over...
  35. S

    Archived Sensitivity in potential divider circuits.

    Homework Statement Why is sensitivity in a potential divider circuit greatest when the resistance of the fixed resistor is equal to the average resistance of the other resistor (in my case a LDR)? This isn't a homework question, but I need to include a bit on why I chose the fixed resistor...
  36. I

    Maximising sensitivity in a voltage divider

    Hi folks, Homework Statement We have a voltage divider (more specifically, a resistive divider), with V_i volts input and resistors R_1 and R_2 in series. The output voltage, V_o, is measured over R_2. R_1 is a fixed ohmic resistor; R_2 is a potentiometer. I'm looking for an algebraic...
  37. S

    Pressure measuring device sensitivity

    Homework Statement An inclined tube reservoir manometer is constructed as shown in the figure. Analyze the manometer to obtain a general expression for the liquid deflection L in the inclined tube in terms of the applied pressure difference \Delta p. Also obtain a general expression for the...
  38. S

    Stargazing Is a Radio Telescope Less Sensitive on the Galactic Plane?

    Is a radio telescope less sensitive on the galactic plane? If so, why? /San
  39. turbo

    Managing Chemical Sensitivity & ER Visit

    True. I managed to drive myself to the hospital after being exposed to fragrances at work, and the triage nurse just waved me in based on my appearance. The intake nurse clocked my BP at 208/80 and shoved me into the ER. The ER nurse assigned to me was a classmate of my wife and contacted...
  40. D

    Estimating Ear Canal Length & Frequency Sensitivity

    Homework Statement I read this question online. Estimate the length of your ear canal. Regard the canal as a narrow tube that is open at one end and closed at the other, at approximately what fundamental frequency would you expect you hearing to be most sensitive? Explain why you can hear...
  41. N

    CRIRES (VLT) Radial Velocity Sensitivity

    I know CRIRES is unstable right now but it should be back to full operation next year I hear. Does anyone know what it's limit of sensitivity will be for radial velcoity measurements (in m/s)?
  42. J

    Fishing Rod - Sensitivity Calculation

    Can one correlate the effects of a change in weight to the transmission of vibrations (fish strike) through a fishing rod? I'm not an engineer. I don't know what equations may apply. I'm not even certain I'm describing the question correctly. I'd appretiate any assistance. I've attempted...
  43. A

    Adjusting Light Sensor Sensitivity for Microcontroller Input

    Hi, I am using a light sensor connected to an analog input of a microcontroller. My circuit turns an output high when there is a voltage of 2.5V or higher at the analog input i.e when there is a light shining on the sensor. But sometimes my output goes high even though I have no light shining...
  44. G

    Solid Propellant Burn Rate Sensitivity

    I have been flying some model rockets powered by commercially available solid propellant engines. I have been flying at an elevation of 2550 above sea level. I am headed to a competition next week and will be flying near sea level. The air density will change approximately 5% due to the...
  45. A

    How Does Measurement Sensitivity Affect Current Detection in a Circuit?

    Hi, I have a question about the sensitivity of measurements in experiments. e.g. We measure the current of a circuit and it's 1A. if the sensitivity is 1 part in 100, does that mean we can't distinguish the current between 1-1/100A and 1+1/100A? Thanks
  46. Amith2006

    Sensitivity of a galvanometer

    Homework Statement 1) A capacitor of capacity 3 micro farad charged by a potential of 2 volt when discharged through a Ballistic galvanometer gives a deflection of 24 divisions. Determine the sensitivity of the Ballistic galvanometer. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution...
  47. DaveC426913

    Testing IR Sensitivity: My Experiment

    I learned https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1098513&posted=1#post1098513" that some people are sensitive to lower frequency light than others. In fact, some people can see well into the infrared range. I was very skeptical, so I tested it out. I was right, I cannot see IR...
  48. R

    Sensitivity Model for a detector

    hello, I have to make a sensitivity model for a near infra red detector and I need help. I have so far done radiometric calculations taking into account noise, due to dark current, sky background, etc and calculated the minimum signal intensity i need. However, i have a few blocks: I need to...
  49. T

    Stress concentration sensitivity definition

    what is the defination for the following:stress concentration sensitivity, fracture load cycle, notch size factor?? pls help thanx
  50. K

    Sensitivity to CRT Televisions ?

    I've got a question about CRTs... Is it normal for them to emit this low wining/ringing sound even after start up? It's annoying and headache inducing. My old TV became really bad with this, it was as if it was crying for blood ha, so I got a new one (also a CRT) and the same problem popped...
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