For the science lovers

GrundleStiltzkin · April 2016

A Historic Perspective on the Greenland Ice Sheet and its Contribution to Global Sea Level

Probably the most relevant information is Vasskog et al.’s investigation of the GrIS during the last interglacial period (130-116 ka BP). During this period, global temperatures were 1.5-2.0°C warmer than the peak warmth of the present interglacial, or Holocene, in which we are now living. As a result of that warmth, significant portions of the GrIS melted away. Quantitatively, Vasskog et al. estimate that during this time (the prior interglacial) the GrIS was “probably between ~7 and 60% smaller than at present,” and that that melting contributed to a rise in global sea level of “between 0.5 and 4.2 m.” Thus, in comparing the present interglacial to the past interglacial, atmospheric CO2 concentrations are currently 30% higher, global temperatures are 1.5-2°C cooler, GrIS volume is from 7-67% larger, and global sea level is at least 0.5-4.2 m lower, none of which signal catastrophe for the present.

SpoonieLuv · April 2016

Why don't you just come out and say that you think George Bush murders polar bears!

TierbsHsotBoobs · April 2016

GrundleStiltzkin said:
A Historic Perspective on the Greenland Ice Sheet and its Contribution to Global Sea Level

Probably the most relevant information is Vasskog et al.’s investigation of the GrIS during the last interglacial period (130-116 ka BP). During this period, global temperatures were 1.5-2.0°C warmer than the peak warmth of the present interglacial, or Holocene, in which we are now living. As a result of that warmth, significant portions of the GrIS melted away. Quantitatively, Vasskog et al. estimate that during this time (the prior interglacial) the GrIS was “probably between ~7 and 60% smaller than at present,” and that that melting contributed to a rise in global sea level of “between 0.5 and 4.2 m.” Thus, in comparing the present interglacial to the past interglacial, atmospheric CO2 concentrations are currently 30% higher, global temperatures are 1.5-2°C cooler, GrIS volume is from 7-67% larger, and global sea level is at least 0.5-4.2 m lower, none of which signal catastrophe for the present.

Disagree

RaceBannon · April 2016

My Viking four dads farmed Greenland

GrundleStiltzkin · April 2016

Save the Polar Bears? They’re Fine, Actually

But recent scientific findings (as well as some older ones) show that the polar bear has survived several millennia with little or no sea-ice. The ruling was clearly based upon less than the totality of science, and we should hope that the Survey’s new chief, Suzette Kimball, who was schooled in the proud tradition of the Survey to put “science first,” will see fit to advise the Fish and Wildlife Service to de-list the bears.

This Earth Day, it’s time to give the polar bear the respect it deserves. Nothing humans can do to the climate is going to wipe it out.

This Earth Day, it’s time to give the polar bear the respect it deserves. Nothing humans can do to the climate is going to wipe it out.
That’s because we can’t change the Arctic as much as Nature has during the bear’s existence.

Consider this: after the end of the most recent ice age, for three millennia, from around six to nine thousand years ago, the high arctic was nearly 13°F warmer in July than its 20th century average. We know this because there are trees buried in what is now barren tundra that carbon-date back to that era. During the warm era, the boreal forest (aka the “north woods”) extended all the way to the Arctic Ocean and even onto the few islands that dot the sea. For the forest to exist, that’s how much warmer it had to have been there during the summer.