The Arctic is experiencing some of the most rapid climate change currently under way across the globe, but consequent ecological responses have not been widely reported. At the close of the Fourth International Polar Year, Post et al. (p. 1355) review observations on ecological impacts in this sensitive region. The widespread changes occurring in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, presage changes at lower latitudes that will affect natural resources, food production, and future climate buffering.

 

 

China is the world's largest carbon dioxide producer and the world's second-largest producer of electrical power, 80% of which it generates by burning coal. An affordable, carbon-free source of electrical power generation would thus constitute an important way for China to reduce its CO₂ emissions and other environmental impacts of fossil-fuel burning. McElroy et al. (p. 1378, see the cover) show that there is enough wind in China to generate electricity to supply the nation's entire projected demand for 2030 (about twice what is used now) at reasonable prices per kilowatt-hour.

 

 

Cycling Around

Water vapor is the most important greenhouse gas, and clouds are one of the most important components of climate, but the global hydrological cycle is still poorly-enough understood that the atmospheric cycling of water and cloud formation are inadequately represented in global climate models. As the transformation from liquid into vapor tends to deplete water of the isotope deuterium, Frankenberg et al. (p. 1374) were able to use satellite measurements of global "heavy" water abundances to provide a deeper understanding of atmospheric water dynamics.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Note:   Electric generating stations having an overall thermal efficiency of less than 37% are

very good cloud makers, because the waste heat is mostly used to evaporate "cooling" water.

When the Longview power plant comes on-stream with its 14 cooling tower units, we will see

plenty more clouds in the Morgantown area, and slick roads in winter...........    Duane Nichols