Understanding the Persistent Record-Breaking Global Temperatures: A Water Cycle Perspective
About the author: Andrew (Andrij) Dyhin is a Futurist, Author and Environmental Advocate. He is author of Beyond Tipping Point (a fiction novel offering an alternative view on global warming).
Introduction
Recent global records have shown unprecedented high temperatures for ten consecutive months. This white paper presents an alternative hypothesis focusing on the water cycle's role, particularly the condensation process, in contributing to these temperature increases.
Key Hypothesis
With increased atmospheric water content due to global warming; For each 1mm of rainfall, a 2km high column of air with a 1 square meter base experiences a 1°C temperature rise due to latent heat release during condensation. Extending this concept, a significant body of warmed air above extensive rainfall areas could drive the observed global temperature increases.
Analysis and Calculations
Energy Required for Temperature Rise: A large-scale rainfall event releases latent heat, significantly warming the air above the rainfall area. (In the cloud mass)
Impact of Increased Rainfall: Higher evaporation rates from global warming increases atmospheric moisture. Extreme rainfall and flooding events release significant latent heat, contributing to localized and global temperature rises. The latent heat release warms a significant body of air, creating extensive warm air masses above rainfall areas.
Significant Body of Warmed Air
Footprint of Warmed Air: Large-scale rainfall events can cover extensive geographical areas. The resulting latent heat release warms the air over these areas, creating extensive bodies of warmed air. (In the cloud mass) This mass of warm air can influence regional and global climate patterns, enhancing the warming effect.
Driver of Global Temperature Increases: The extensive bodies of warmed air formed above rainfall areas act as a driver for higher global temperatures. These warm air masses can move and merge, contributing to a general increase in atmospheric temperatures. This mechanism amplifies the effects of greenhouse gas-induced warming, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates climate change.
Observations and Implications
The interplay between increased atmospheric moisture, higher condensation rates, and latent heat release provides a plausible explanation for the persistent high global temperatures. The formation of significant warm air masses above rainfall areas is a critical driver of the observed temperature increases, amplifying the effects of global warming.
Conclusion
The hypothesis emphasizes the water cycle's role in global temperature increases. The latent heat released during rainfall events warms the air above the ground, forming significant warm air masses. These warm air masses act as drivers of higher global temperatures, offering a new understanding of recent warming trends.
Recommendations
Further Research: Quantify the condensation-driven temperature increases' contribution to global warming and the impact of warm air masses.
Policy Implications: Incorporate the water cycle's impact into comprehensive climate policies.
Public Awareness: Educate the public on this mechanism to drive informed discussions and policy decisions.