WITHERED MODELS
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29/04/1995
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Down To Earth
COMPUTER models used by climatologists till date have come under a cloud.
American researchers Peter Pilewski of National Aeronautical Space Agency's Ames Research Centre and Francisco Valero of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography indicate that clouds can absorb much more energy - up to 30 per cent of the incoming sunlight - than previously thought. (New Scientist, Vol 145, No 1970). Since even a small discrepancy in these matters could cause major shifts in atmospheric circulation in the tropics, the older models will have to go.
American researchers Peter Pilewski of National Aeronautical Space Agency's Ames Research Centre and Francisco Valero of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography indicate that clouds can absorb much more energy - up to 30 per cent of the incoming sunlight - than previously thought. (New Scientist, Vol 145, No 1970). Since even a small discrepancy in these matters could cause major shifts in atmospheric circulation in the tropics, the older models will have to go.