Climate Change

Temperatures 140 Years

The earth is in a temperature "rising" portion of a climate cycle that has been going on for thousands of years. However, the rise has been very modest recently. As NASA states it "The real threat may not be the gradual rise in global temperature and sea level, but the redistribution of heat over the earth's surface". This page presents a balanced view of the climate change issues.

Our Atmosphere

Our Atmosphere

The vast majority of the atmosphere (about 80 miles in height) is only 1% the diameter of the earth which is roughly 8,000 miles. The atmosphere becomes very thin with no definite boundary with outer space at the top. In addition to the interesting features of the layers of the atmosphere, ozone, atmospheric carbon cycles and wind circulation patterns are discussed.

Our Oceans

Our Oceans

Although the sun is the ultimate engine that drives the weather on earth, the oceans and atmosphere channel the sun's energy to produce regional and local climates. The ocean's role is critical because of its ability to absorb, store, and transport heat from the sun. The ocean also exchanges heat, moisture, and carbon with the atmosphere making it a major contributor to climate.

Climate Science

Climate Science

This page goes into some detail explaining in layman terms some of the technical aspects of our climate. The huge climate changes from warming to cooling and vice versa is explained by the earth's orbital variations. The sun's internal activity (visible through sunspot cycles) also affects our climate. The greenhouse effect and great ocean conveyor are also explained.

Solar Power

Solar Spectrum

The in depth discussion about solar power includes the sun's radiation and energy distributions, how solar cells work, silicon solar cells, thin film solar cells, sun tracker panels, central versus micro inverters, some current academic research and space based solar power (SBSP). We have tried to make this material very understandable for a person with no technical background.