By what other mechanism can these temperature trends be duplicated besides an enhanced greenhouse effect?
Satellite data has shown that the temperatures of the troposphere and surface have been increasing for several decades now. However, the stratosphere has not been warming, it has been cooling:
http://www.remss.com/msu/msu_data_descri…
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroo…
http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co…
Even the higher levels of the atmosphere have been cooling, and at even faster rates:
http://www.greenoptions.com/wiki/fingerp…
These upper layers are not affected by another possible explanation (ozone depletion; i.e. less absorption of UV rays), so why are they cooling?
The explanation behind the enhanced greenhouse effect is that the upper atmosphere is largely heated from thermal radiation from the Earth. As greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere and create an enhanced greenhouse effect, thermal radiation is trapped from escaping Earth, and thus the higher atmospheric levels cool down.
Combined with how human emissions of CO2 are mainly responsible for the current increases in CO2 ppm, it's safe to say the enhanced greenhouse effect would be anthropogenic.
Now while you cannot prove a conditional by proving the converse, as I just did, is there really any other model that can account for such drastic drops in upper atmospheric temperatures that also correlate with increases in lower atmospheric and surface temperatures?
Why should you consider insulated dog houses when shopping for your furry friends? There are two main advantages that insulated dog houses have over the plainer varieties. The insulated structure keeps the temperature inside more comfortable. It also allows you to use less energy if you decide to integrate a heating and air conditioning unit into the house for extreme temperatures. Think of what insulation in your home does; these are the same things it does for your pet.
Heat transfer occurs in one of three ways: conduction, convection, or radiation. Conduction occurs through objects (hot tea to handle of spoon), convection through currents of air or water (forced air furnace), and radiation through light travel (the sun). Heat transfer will occur; you cannot stop it. However, you can slow the rate at which it occurs. Insulation is the tool you need to slow heat transfer.
Insulated dog houses may combat more than one type of heat transfer. For instance, the insulation may reflect heat and trap air at the same time. Reflecting the heat in the summer means the warm air stays outside the dog house. Reflecting the heat in the winter, of course, means warm air remains inside the dog house. Trapped air pockets reduce the speed of conduction because air is a slower conductor than other materials, such as metal.
Of course, a cooler environment in the summer and a warmer environment in the winter equal a more comfortable setting for your pup. If temperatures become too extreme, you might need to bring your dog inside until the weather returns to normal. Puppies and old dogs are most susceptible to problems caused by temperature, such as freezing and heat stroke.
A second advantage applies to owners who intend to use a heating and air conditioning unit in the dog house. Insulated dog houses conserve energy by slowing the rate of heat transfer. As a result, you have to spend less energy heating and cooling the house. Spending less energy is becoming more popular today for those who like the idea of “greener” living. And spending less energy has always been popular with people who keep an eye on their dollars.
If you like the idea of a heating and air conditioning unit, but you have doubted its feasibility, start looking for insulated dog houses. As you shop, check for insulation with higher R-values. The R-value is a number assigned to the insulation based on several factors. These factors determine how effective the insulation will be in slowing heat transfer. The R-value increases with the level of effectiveness. The higher the assigned R-value, the more effective you should find the insulation to be.
Insulated dog houses slow conduction, convection, or radiation—or a combination of these processes. By slowing the speed of heat transfer, the insulation increases your pet’s comfort. It also conserves energy if you use a heating and air conditioning unit. When shopping for dog houses, check R-values. The R-values will help you understand how effective you should expect the insulation to be. Comparing R-values will help you identify which dog houses will be the best for you.
About The Author
Rachel Dawson is a freelance writer who has known several special dogs. She writes about pet houses and accessories for http://www.cedarwoodfurniture.com and http://www.northcedar.com.
The Fundamentals Of A Gasoline Powered Small Engine
From large industries to the average homeowner, gasoline powered small engines are widely used to complete major and minor tasks all over the world. Lawn mowers, air compressors and pumps are among the most the popular equipment that utilizes this machinery. They also power ATVs, motorcycles, scooters and certain light aircraft. For household mechanics, knowing the basics of a gasoline powered engine can help better maintain your equipment and help you trouble shoot potential issues that may arise.
What is a Gasoline Powered Small Engine?
These systems are also known as an internal combustion engine. To run these engines, a spark created when the ignition is switched on creates an explosion as it comes into contact with the gasoline in the combustion chamber. Gasoline is a slow burning combustible liquid that becomes explosive when it mixes with air. This explosion is what gives the engine its power. There are a number of parts within these engines that make this entire process work efficiently.
Small Engine Components
1. Fuel System
The fuel system is made up of several other components. The fuel tank stores the gasoline until it enters the carburetor. A fuel pump removes the gasoline through a fuel line into the carburetor. The carburetor then mixes the required volume of air and gas in proper proportion to create the necessary energy. Inside the carburetor, a small filter collects small particles of dirt and sediment that may clog or dirty the fuel.
A primer is used to inject a small amount of extra gasoline into the carburetor to create a higher fuel intensity and stronger spark. This is usually used when weather conditions are cold or the small engine vehicle has been sitting for a long period of time.
2. The Ignition System
Combustion cannot take place if the spark needed to create the condition is not ignited. The ignition produces a high voltage spark that sets off the combustion needed to start the engine. A battery is used to activate this and a spark plug provides the catalyst in which current can flow.
3. The Cylinder Block
Combustion takes place in the cylinder block. Within the combustion chamber, the heat released by the chemical reaction creates a high-pressured gas environment. As this pressure force is pu
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shed to the pistons of the engine, it causes the crankshaft to rotate.
4. The Cooling System
Because of the large amount of pressure and fuel reactions, gasoline small engines produce a large amount of heat. To keep them running efficiently, a cooling system must be in place. These engines are usually cooled using metal fins that push cool air across the system. Bearings are also used to bring down the amount of friction on the engine, thus reducing the amount of heat generated when it is running. Additionally, regular maintenance that includes oiling and cleaning filters will keep the engine heat down and the machine’s efficiency up.
There is a lot more that can be learned about the inner workings of a gasoline-powered small engine. However, the basic mechanics of these machines can be broken down to some basic fundamentals in vehicle engine construction. What everyone should remember about small engines is this: Take the time to understand the basic workings of your lawn mower, golf cart, motorcycle, snow mobile or other small engine vehicle so that you can better maintain and prevent breakdowns in the future.
- Ben Anton, 2008
By: Ben Anton
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Repower Specialists, LTD.
Learn about gasoline small engine components by visiting the Repower Specialists site specializing in Jacobsen GK IV repower kits for small engine vehicles.
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