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Gondur
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Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity - what is the relevance of the word 'equilibrium' - why not 'climate sensitivity?'
Hope you can help.
Hope you can help.
The emphasis is the equilibrium or balanced state and the sensitivity of the system to a departure from equilibrium. Much of applied science, e.g., process engineering such as power generation, operation of aircraft or spacecraft , chemical manufacturing, is concerned about control and how the system responds to deviations or perturbations from steady-state. In health care, doctors would be concerned if one's temperature deviated more than a few degrees F, e.g., having a temperature of 104°F as compared to 97.4 to 99°F, means one has a fever. If the temperature drops much lower (body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C)), one is experiencing hypothermia.Gondur said:Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity - what is the relevance of the word 'equilibrium' - why not 'climate sensitivity?'
Hope you can help.
At the very center of the theory of AGW, is the idea that doubling the CO2 level would create an energy imbalanceGondur said:Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity - what is the relevance of the word 'equilibrium' - why not 'climate sensitivity?'
Hope you can help.
Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS) is a measure of how much the Earth's average temperature will increase if the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere doubles. It is often used as a key metric for predicting the impacts of climate change.
Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity is typically calculated using climate models, which simulate the Earth's climate system and predict how it will respond to changes in carbon dioxide levels. These models take into account various factors such as the Earth's energy balance, atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and feedback mechanisms to estimate the change in temperature that would occur with a doubling of carbon dioxide.
The current estimated range for Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity is between 1.5°C to 4.5°C, with a best estimate of 3°C. This range has been determined by multiple studies and is based on a combination of climate models, observations of past climate change, and feedback mechanisms.
Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity is important because it helps us understand the potential impacts of climate change. A higher ECS means that the Earth's temperature will increase more with a doubling of carbon dioxide, leading to more severe consequences such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.
Yes, Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity can change over time. Factors such as changes in atmospheric composition, land use, and natural variability can impact ECS. Additionally, as our understanding of the climate system improves, the estimated range for ECS may also change. Ongoing research and observations will continue to refine our understanding of ECS and its potential changes.