Geology and Earth ScienceThe Arctic Circulation Current: Evidence of Man's Impact on the Climate
Bill Mars
While doing research for Global Climate class I came across an interesting article. This article, “Human-Induced Change in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, “ by John C. Fyfe and Oleg A. Saenko of the Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis, Meteorological Service of Canada, University of Victoria states that the Antarctic circumpolar current (ACC) is expected to continue to shift. The authors claim that two theories are responsible for this shift, balancing surface Ekman drift and ocean eddy mixing.
Previous research showed that the increases in ocean temperatures found in the ACC are comparable to Antarctic atmospheric increases in temperature as sited in the article. Also as sited in the article, changes in surface winds can influence movement of the ACC and it is claimed that this change has a human cause. A shift in the ACC correlates with the industrial revolution and increased greenhouse gasses being emitted in the atmosphere since the 1950’s and this shift can possibly affect global climate patterns in the future.
The method of research involved the study of previous data on the ACC as well as testing mathematical models produced by the authors. Hydrographic, atmospheric data, and data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Canadian Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were used in coordination with global climate models to conclude that the shift in ACC is at least partially human induced. The authors gathered information previously conducted and used that to support results from models used involving mathematical theory.
I believe this research just adds to the mountain of evidence that our effect on the planet as humans is profound. The ACC, the author describes, is quite large and any change or shift in this current is likely to affect global climate. We all need to be aware of our huge influence on global climate. The research also points out that much of this change has occurred within the last 50 or so years. Research like this show the potential impact of this shift on continental climates. However, it is important to share this information with the general public in such a way that is understandable and easily digested so that human activities can change for the better.
I never knew that the ACC was so large and influential on global climate. Also I never realized how much humans can affect remote areas of the globe in such a short period of time. Although I did not understand some of the mathematical models, it seems that coordination of previously published data can be a powerful tool in discovering new trends in our atmosphere as well as with our climate. Also, I learned that new mathematical models and mathematical theory can be a powerful way to express trends in nature.Humans have impacted our planet to a great extent. Although I am a bit biased with that thought, I believe this research proves that we can and have had influence on global climate, particularly the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Research makes many credible points about this influence and backs them up with real data. The authors collected a considerable amount of data that was published previously as well as conducted their own models. Previous knowledge in science builds on new thoughts and ideas and I think this article make a good example of this important process in science. However, the article did not mention any of previous geologic findings. Earth goes through cycles that are much longer that we as humans can understand. I am pretty sure that people have looked into the geological record, for example, the continental red bed depositions, for evidence of ozone’s rise and fall. Do many geologists think the recent (geologically) ozone depletion is just a part of Earth’s normal cycle in addition to human effects?
The article can be found at http://www.cccma.bc.ec.gc.ca/papers/jfyfe/PDF/FyfeSaenko2005a.pdf
While doing research for Global Climate class I came across an interesting article. This article, “Human-Induced Change in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, “ by John C. Fyfe and Oleg A. Saenko of the Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis, Meteorological Service of Canada, University of Victoria states that the Antarctic circumpolar current (ACC) is expected to continue to shift. The authors claim that two theories are responsible for this shift, balancing surface Ekman drift and ocean eddy mixing.
Previous research showed that the increases in ocean temperatures found in the ACC are comparable to Antarctic atmospheric increases in temperature as sited in the article. Also as sited in the article, changes in surface winds can influence movement of the ACC and it is claimed that this change has a human cause. A shift in the ACC correlates with the industrial revolution and increased greenhouse gasses being emitted in the atmosphere since the 1950’s and this shift can possibly affect global climate patterns in the future.
The method of research involved the study of previous data on the ACC as well as testing mathematical models produced by the authors. Hydrographic, atmospheric data, and data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Canadian Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were used in coordination with global climate models to conclude that the shift in ACC is at least partially human induced. The authors gathered information previously conducted and used that to support results from models used involving mathematical theory.
I believe this research just adds to the mountain of evidence that our effect on the planet as humans is profound. The ACC, the author describes, is quite large and any change or shift in this current is likely to affect global climate. We all need to be aware of our huge influence on global climate. The research also points out that much of this change has occurred within the last 50 or so years. Research like this show the potential impact of this shift on continental climates. However, it is important to share this information with the general public in such a way that is understandable and easily digested so that human activities can change for the better.
I never knew that the ACC was so large and influential on global climate. Also I never realized how much humans can affect remote areas of the globe in such a short period of time. Although I did not understand some of the mathematical models, it seems that coordination of previously published data can be a powerful tool in discovering new trends in our atmosphere as well as with our climate. Also, I learned that new mathematical models and mathematical theory can be a powerful way to express trends in nature.Humans have impacted our planet to a great extent. Although I am a bit biased with that thought, I believe this research proves that we can and have had influence on global climate, particularly the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Research makes many credible points about this influence and backs them up with real data. The authors collected a considerable amount of data that was published previously as well as conducted their own models. Previous knowledge in science builds on new thoughts and ideas and I think this article make a good example of this important process in science. However, the article did not mention any of previous geologic findings. Earth goes through cycles that are much longer that we as humans can understand. I am pretty sure that people have looked into the geological record, for example, the continental red bed depositions, for evidence of ozone’s rise and fall. Do many geologists think the recent (geologically) ozone depletion is just a part of Earth’s normal cycle in addition to human effects?
The article can be found at http://www.cccma.bc.ec.gc.ca/papers/jfyfe/PDF/FyfeSaenko2005a.pdf
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