Is global heat transport from low latitudes to high latitudes increasing or decreasing?

Question

The total energy radiated per unit area increases as T^4. The total energy radiated is about 3% more if 50% of the area were at 260 K and 50% was at 300 K than if 100% were at 280 K. To simplify the calculation, consider only wavelengths outside the absorption bands of CO2 and H2O. The solar energy must balance the thermal radiation out for equilibrium. Consequently the average temperature of the earth will be higher (282 K in the example above) if heat is spread evenly (more transport) than would be the case if heat energy were concentrated in the tropics (less transport). A skeptic could argue that the warming will be limited if weather patterns become localized and spread heat less efficiently. Is there any evidence for this? Is there any evidence that heat is being transported more (such as polar melting)? Please comment on the science only.

Answer 1

I just farted and I'd have to say yes. As I passed gas I felt the hot humid air rise up the crack of my ***.    So I'd have to say yes

Answer 2

I would suspect that heat transport from the tropics to the poles is decreasing. As Dana mentioned, the greatest warming is occurring at the poles, especially the North Pole, due to ice-albedo feedback. As the temperature gradient reduces, heat transport should also be reduced.

That doesn't necessarily mean that warming will be transport-limited, though. You have to consider that the albedo feedback is greater there, so the poles aren't really dependent on the tropics for heat.

Answer 3

Not so sure there is an easy answer to this one. At the same time Arctic ice has melted, total Antarctic ice (which is MANY times greater than Arctic ice) has stayed the same or even increased.

Then there is the small problem for the alarmists theories in the fact that Alaska is having a record cold summer. I know, I was there. Thats a very inconvenient truth for Mr. Gore.

Answer 4

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/20...

some years ago, i read that the gulf stream was weakening.

from the article, it appears more complicated than that.

however, i suspect that the global circulation is the biggest part of your calculation.

and it seems to be somewhat fickle.

yes i do note the warming between Canada, Russia, and Greenland, which is, i think, not affected by these currents.

however, if i had to guess, while the effects will be dramatic, and not good to northern areas, i'm not sure how much they'll affect the rest of the globe in the near future, possibly other than to provide some warmth that encourages Greenland melt, which could slow the stream via reduced salt content and lighter water.

the math is far to much for my senile old brain.

l live near San Francisco, so am well acquainted with the effect that water temp has on air temp.

-- but i have to go.  i'd like to say i'll add more, but there are a couple other items that demand my attention -- at least what of it there is.  sorry.

Answer 5

I've been noticing the way heat has been transferred has changed. The strong upper level winds that cause wind shear,that prevent the full development of Atlantic hurricanes. Hurricanes are just huge "heat engines", that work to help transfer heat to the Arctic regions. When their development is altered, the way heat is distributed changes. Hurricanes are the largest weather event on the planet, but lately, there seems to be a 'force' that is strong enough to stop them. What is that 'force'?

I think that the continents are getting colder,even as the ocean temps are rising. As more water evaporates faster, the resulting cloud cover will make the continents cooler and wetter.  Even during the "Ice Age", the Equator was very hot and stormy. There is a great deal of instability in the climate now, resulting in the increase of severe weather. We could see an ever increasing threat of severe weather,as the climate changes. Heat drives the weather,increase the heat,and 'weather' increases!  I may not have the scientific formulas for describing this situation,but I think there are scientists that are researching this.

Answer 6

The greatest warming is happening at the highest latitudes.

http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleid=...

http://tamino.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/h...

Illustrated graphically:

http://tamino.files.wordpress.com/2008/0...

This was manifested in the record ice melt in the Artic last year.