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Category Archives: Meteorology
Do wind farms modify climate?
The turbines on wind farms convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. So, we might expect to see some changes in the region due to this energy conversion. The impact will be a function of how big the wind farm is and how long the turbines operate.
One way to estimate changes is through observations. The best method is to compare the observation of a region before and after wind farms are installed. Unfortunately, there are rarely enough observations before the wind farm installation to make strong conclusions about any observed relationships. Continue reading
How does carbon dioxide affect global warming?
Since 1958, a continuous measurement of the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere has been made at Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. These observations were initiated by Charles Keeling, who died in 2005, and have been maintained by his son Ralph ever since.
Sunshine is a manifestation of solar radiation and when it is absorbed by the surface of the Earth, the surface heats up and emits a different kind of radiation, known as infrared radiation. Carbon dioxide is a special chemical in that it is transparent to solar radiation and yet it absorbs infrared radiation. Thus, the presence of carbon dioxode in our atmosphere allows sunshine to penetrate to the surface but inhibits the emission of infrared radiation to space.
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Ask the Weather Guys: Like it or not, numerical technique vastly improved forecasting
Pretty good forecast last week, wasn’t it? Though last week’s persistent cloudiness and intermittent rain was almost surely met with derision by all, it is hard to imagine that many people were surprised by it, as the forecasts very accurately … Continue reading
Category: Meteorology
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Comments Off on Ask the Weather Guys: Like it or not, numerical technique vastly improved forecasting
Who controls the tornado sirens?
The sirens around Dane County are not just for warning about tornadoes.
Although tornado warnings are by far the most common cause for the sounding of the alarm, the sirens are used for other hazards. Continue reading
Category: Meteorology, Severe Weather, Weather Dangers
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Comments Off on Who controls the tornado sirens?
How is the wind measured?
Wind has both speed and direction. Anemometers measure wind speed and wind vanes measure wind direction.
A typical wind vane has a pointer in front and fins in back. When the wind is blowing, the wind vane points into the wind. For example, in a north wind, the wind vane points northward. Continue reading
