History Continued

    In the 1960s, research began at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) to develop a predictive climate model for global warming. Early models were built upon a simple radiative and convective atmosphere. Later more advanced models included various CO₂ levels, wind patterns, albedo effects, ocean mixing, continental geography and increased resolution. This evolution paralleled the development of more powerful computers. Thirty years of comparison with actual measurements has also helped to fine tune the models. These global climate models appear to have a potential for a higher predictive reliability for warming due to atmospheric CO₂ on a global and continental scale.

Procedure

    As a prelude to the mentor project, we were exposed to a variety of speakers presenting conflicting views on global warming and it's possible causes. We then explored the development of various mathematical climate models using the formula 

4(pi)ea²sT⁴ = (pi)a²(1-A)F/R²

where s= the Stefan-Boltzman constant, a is the radius of the planet at distance R from the sun, F is the solar flux and A is the planetary albedo. After combining and manipulating terms, the portion of this which we manipulated in the experimental procedure is represented by the formula

LW = esT⁴

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