Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Moving The Climate Change Debate From Models To Proposed Legislation: Lessons From State Experience, John C. Dernbach

John C. Dernbach

This Article assesses the relationship between state climate change mitigation measures and potential national climate change legislation. It describes and evaluates eleven different legal and policy tools being employed by states. These are: customer choice of electricity providers, environmental labeling requirements for electricity sources, building codes requiring energy efficiency, demand-side management, system benefit charges, cap-and-trade programs, tax credits, net metering, planning and siting preferences for renewable energy facilities, CO2 limits for new power plants, and renewable energy portfolio standards. Two broad conclusions emerge from this analysis. First, these tools have considerable potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They achieve reductions …

A Process Model Of Risk Communication: The Case Of Global Climate Change, Fiona Clark, Keith R. Stamm, Paula Reynolds Eblacas

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

The authors describe a survey of public media use as it relates to different stages of awareness and concern regarding risk issues.

Climatology Of The Daily Temperature Range Annual Cycle In The United States, Daniel J. Leathers, Michael A. Palecki, David A. Robinson, Kenneth F. Dewey

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Many researchers are presently interested in detecting long-term trends in annual or seasonal daily temperature range (DTR), and attributing these changes to anthropogenic origins. However, very little work has been done to confirm the mechanisms that are important to determining the long-term average annual cycle of the DTR. Therefore, the focus of this work is to examine the spatial and temporal difference in the DTR average annual cycle across the United States, and to associate the patterns of these cycles with potential causal variables. Three major types of DTR annual cycle exist in the United States: high sun season maximum …

Environmental Variability Effects On Marine Fisheries: Four Case Histories, Eileen E. Hofmann, T. M. Powell

CCPO Publications

The changing nature of marine fisheries requires management approaches that recognize and include ecosystem and environmental effects. Therefore, we review some examples of exploited fishery stocks in which environmental control is a major contributor to structuring the abundance and distribution of the stock. Four examples, taken from studies of northern cod (Gadus morhua), cod and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) larvae, the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), and Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), are given that clearly illustrate environmental control on the fishery. From these examples, we argue that future management strategies for exploited fisheries must include effects of environmental variability. In particular, management …

Environmental Stress Effects On Vigor, Mortality, And Growth In Northern Hardwood Forests Along A Pollution-Climate Gradient, Neil W. Macdonald, John A. Witter, David R. Reed, Andrew J. Burton, Kurt S. Pregitzer, Hal O. Liechty

Peer Reviewed Publications

Concern exists over the effects of interacting environmental stresses on the ecological integrity of temperate forests. Coincidence of sensitivity to drought, increasing occurrence of defoliation, and elevated pollutant deposition has produced speculation that northern hardwood forests may be susceptible to the increased climatic stresses projected for the Great Lakes region. The objective of our study was to examine relationships among environmental stress factors, vigor, mortality, and growth in northern hardwood forests located along a pollution-climate gradient in the Great Lakes region. Between 1987 and 1993, we quantified climatic variables, pollutant deposition, insect defoliation, and tree vigor and growth at five …

Iowa's Declining Flora And Fauna: A Review Of Changes Since 1980 And An Outlook For The Future, Neil P. Bernstein

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

The status of Iowa's biodiversity was first summarized at a 1980 Iowa Academy of Science (IAS) symposium that was published in The Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science (Vol. 88, No. 1) in 1981. The 1980 symposium was updated in a recent IAS symposium, and the proceedings from this symposium are published, for the most part, in volume 105 of this journal. Most of the authors noted some positive trends, but, overall, species declines and habitat destruction remained a concern.

Is Accurate Understanding Of Global Warming Necessary To Promote Willingness To Sacrifice?, Richard J. Bord, Ann Fisher, Robert E. O'Connor

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Although not definitive, the authors' study suggests potential benefits from having a general public better informed about global climate change. They find, e.g., that accurate information appears to increase willingness to accept personal sacrifice.

A Search For Average, Extremes, And Runs Of Unusual Weather In Iowa, R. E. Carlson, D. P. Todey

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Temperature and precipitation during the past decade have exhibited wide variation throughout Iowa. Is this unusual? An attempt was made to answer this question by computing various statistical parameters that characterize variation in Iowa's long term climatic record. Absolute deviations were used to identify the most and least variable months and years since 1900. Overall, 1936 with a very cold winter and very warm summer was the least normal year. Runs of daily weather showed that heat and cold stress could often persist for more than 1 month. Runs of dry days were much longer than runs of wet days. …

Global Trends And The Future Of National Forests, Nels C. Johnson

The National Forest Management Act in a Changing Society, 1976-1996: How Well Has It Worked in the Past 20 Years?: Will It Work in the 21st Century? (September 16-18)

23 pages.

Contains 3 pages of references.

Improving The Validation Of Model-Simulated Crop Yield Response To Climate Change: An Application To The Epic Model* Jour. Ser. No. 11339 Nebraska Ag. Res. Div., William E. Easterling, Xiafen Chen, Cynthia Hays, James R, Brandle, Hehui Zang

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Crop models have been used extensively to simulate yield response to various scenarios of climate change. Such simulations have been inadequately validated, limiting their utility in policy analysis. In this research, it is argued that the performance of crop models during recent years of extreme weather conditions relative to current normals may give a better indication of the validity of model simulations of crop yields in response to climate change than performance during the full range of climate conditions (as is done now). Twenty years of the climate record (1971-1990) are separated into different growing season temperature and precipitation classes …

The Ethical Aspects Of Biodiversity Protection: Duties To Human Beings And Duties To Other Species, Dale Jamieson

Biodiversity Protection: Implementation and Reform of the Endangered Species Act (Summer Conference, June 9-12)

11 pages.

Contains 2 pages of references.

On The Interpentadal Variability Of The North Atlantic Ocean: Model Simulated Changes In Transport, Meridional Heat Flux And Coastal Sea Level Between 1955-1959 And 1970-1974, Tal Ezer, George L. Mellor, Richard J. Greatbatch

CCPO Publications

Previous studies by Greatbatch et al. (1991) indicate significant changes in the North Atlantic thermohaline structure and circulation between the pentads 1955–1959 and 1970–1974, using data analyzed by Levitus (1989a,b,c) and a simple diagnostic model by Mellor et al. (1982). In this paper these changes are modeled using a three-dimensional, free surface, coastal ocean model. Diagnostic and short-term prognostic calculations are used to infer the dynamically adjusted fields corresponding to the observed hydrographic and wind stress climatology of each pentad. While the results agree with earlier studies indicating that the Gulf Stream was considerably weaker (by about 30 Sv) during …

Analysis Of An Iowa Aridity Index In Relationship To Climate And Crop Yield, Soumare Harouna, R. E. Carlson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

An aridity index and its components, temperature and precipitation, for the period from 1900 through April 1993 were defined and characterized. This index describes the anomalous behavior of both temperature and precipitation over time. Our intent was to examine climate variability in Iowa. Moving mean and standard deviations over various lengths of time were calculated from three time series. We found that these indices fluctuate considerably from year to year and from month to month. The lowest aridity index values occurred in the recent summer of 1992, and the highest occurred during the very drought-prone 1930s. The 12-month moving mean …

Book Review, Angela V. Tafro

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Review of: VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE, EARTH IN THE BALANCE: ECOLOGY AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT. (Plume 1993) [368 pp.] Acknowledgements, bibliography, figures, foreword, illustrations, index, notes. LC 92- 34013; ISBN 0-452-26935-0. [Paper $13.00. 375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014.]

Explorations, Vol. 6, No. 2, Carole J. Bombard, Nick Houtman, William H. Whitaker, Jean M. Andrews, Henry Munson Jr., Jamie Watler, Michael Palmer, Diane J. Garsombke, Thomas W. Garsombke

Explorations — A Journal of Research

Cover: Untitled #13, Series 2, chalk on paper, by Ronald Ghiz, Associate Professor of Art at the University of Maine.

Articles include:

"Editorial Overview: in this issue," by Carole J. Bombard

"Save the Planet . . . please," by Nick Houtman

"Research and Public Service Recognizing Leadership, Pioneering, and Productivity," Herb Hidu and Stephen Norton

"Private Assistance for Maine’s Hungry," by William H. Whitaker and Jean M. Andrews

"The Ugly Faces of Hunger"

"Explaining the Iranian Revolution," by Henry Munson, Jr.

"Biological Clocks: timing is everything—and everywhere," by Jamie Watler

"Love of Glory and the Common Good: Periclean Democracy and …

A Space-Based Solar Screen Against Climatic Warming, Michael Noah Mautner

Chemistry Publications

The expected global warming may be reversed by space-based screen that would intercept a fraction of the solar radiation incident on Earth. Warming by 2-5^oC could be prevented by intercepting 3-7%, respectively, of the incident solar radiation. The screen may be constructed for example of a thin film, a grid of film supported by a mesh or fine-grained dust deployed in orbit about the Earth. For an average film thickness or particle radius of 0.001 cm, the required mass is 10¹⁴ - 10¹⁵ g, equivalent to a medium sized lunar mountain or asteroid. The material may …

Iowa's Climate As Projected By The Global Climate Model Of The Goddard Institute For Space Studies For A Doubling Of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide, E. S. Takle, S. Zhong

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Results of a global climate model that simulates climate under a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide (estimated to occur by the latter half of the twenty first century) have been interpolated to Iowa. Summer temperatures under such a doubling are projected to rise by 4 to 7°F (2.2 to 3.9°C) and winter temperatures by 10 to 11° (5.6 to 6.1°C). Estimates of space heating and cooling demands from these data suggest a 30 to 35% decrease in space heat demand and a 200 to 300% increase in space cooling demand. Temperature variability is projected to decrease. Precipitation estimates from global …

Heating Degree Days In Iowa Relative To Home Natural Gas Consumption, Conservation Efforts, And Long-Term Trends, Richard E. Carlson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

A methodology is presented to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts relative to home heating. Billing period heating degree days and natural gas consumption relationships are established for a typical household for nineteen heating seasons using simple linear regression. Associated correlations (r² values) were greater than 0. 95 for nineteen different seasons. Regression coefficients (b₀ and b₁) were found to decrease with time indicating reduced natural gas consumption due to conservation efforts. Procedures are presented to illustrate dollar savings relative to conservation efforts using the regression relationships. Long-term trends for heating degree days at the Ames, …

Using Management Techniques To Solve Environmental Problems, Patrick D. Kelly

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

Arguing that little effective progress is being made in solving problems of varying urgency, this paper suggests a leadership role for science and engineering societies. It proposes that such societies attempt to prioritize problems and attempt to focus public awareness (and calls to action) in a more systematic way.

Potential Effects Of Climate Change On Tree Survival And Forest Pests In The Great Plains, James R. Brandle

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Atmospheric Response To 1988 Drought Conditions And Future Climate Implications, Michael D. Mccorcle

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Plentiful precipitation in the central United States is one of the basic components of the successful agricultural industry in the Corn Belt. A combination of moisture, wind, and topographic factors creates an ideal condition for rainfall over most of the region during the late spring and early summer. In 1988, many ingredients necessary for wet weather were absent. The region experienced a drought unequalled since the 1930's. The drought of 1988 demonstrated chat the symptom of drought, namely, dry soils, can exacerbate and even perpetuate drought conditions by decreasing available moisture, altering circulation patterns vital to storm development, and increasing …

Climate Trends In Iowa, Richard E. Carlson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Long-term trends for various weather elements are presented for the period 1900-1988. Summer and winter season, and annual air temperature patterns are statistically weak because of large inrerannual variability, but trends are evident. There was a general warming from 1900 until the 40's, with a leveling or slight cooling following. Since the mid-70's, a warming trend seems to be taking place, but this cannot be confirmed. Spring season air temperatures showed no trend except that the most recent 4 years (1985-1988) were decidedly warmer than normal. Winter season air temperatures showed a change in trend in the 30's, but the …

Climate Change And The Potential Impact On The Soil Resource, J. L. Hatfield

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Climatic change will lead to changes in the carbon dioxide C0_2, temperature, and precipitation. There have been many predictions of the effect of climatic change on plant growth but none on the soil parameters or water use. To fully understand the implications on soil management from climate change the expected changes in soil temperature, water use, and water and nutrient use efficiency need quantification.

To The U.S. Department Of Transportation: Comments Of The Environmental Defense Fund On The Secretary Of Transportation’S National Transportation Policy, Robert E. Yuhnke

Air Quality Protection in the West (November 27-28)

20 pages.

Agenda: New Challenges For Environmental Protection: Second Sino-American Conference On Environmental Law, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

New Challenges for Environmental Protection: Second Sino-American Conference on Environmental Law (October 12-13)

Workshop held Sept. 18-19, 1989; conference held Oct. 12-13, 1989, in Boulder, Colorado.

Conference speakers included University of Colorado School of Law professors Daniel Barstow Magraw and Lawrence J. MacDonnell.

Contents of papers from workshop and conference:

To protect developing city by the enactment of local laws and regulations / Wu Zilin -- Legislative control of air pollution & water pollution of the P.R.China / Xiao Longan -- The law of natural conservation in China / Ma Xiang-cong -- 'Weighing environmental risks : EPA's unfinished business', Environment, vol. 30, no. 6, July/August 1988, p. 14-17, 34-39 / Richard Morgenstern, Stuart …

Proposals For Promoting Water Reallocation And Efficiency, Gary D. Weatherford

Western Water: Expanding Uses/Finite Supplies (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

4 pages.

Innovative Approaches To Water Allocation: The Potential For Water Markets, Charles W. Howe

Western Water: Expanding Uses/Finite Supplies (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

20 pages.

Changing Patterns Of Water Use In The West: Pressures On The System, David H. Getches

Western Water: Expanding Uses/Finite Supplies (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

17 pages.

Glaciochemical Investigations As A Tool In The Historical Delineation Of The Acid Precipitation Problem, William B. Lyons, Paul Andrew Mayewski

Earth Science Faculty Scholarship

Precipitation in the Northern Hemisphere has been recently recognized to have hydrogen ion concentrations 10 to 100 times higher than expected for natural precipitation (Likens and Bormann 1974, Cogbill and Likens 1974, Lewis and Grant 1980). However, controversy has arisen regarding the nature of the acidity of the precipitation sampled and whether, indeed, the pH of North American precipitation has increased over time (Miller and Everett 1979, Lerman 1979, Stensland 1980, Sequeria 1981, Carlson and Rodhe 1982). In most locations pH records have been constructed rather imperfectly due to differences in sampling, handling, and analytical procedures used (Galloway and Likens …

Temperature Conditions At Orono, Maine, Ernest Claude Drew

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an outgrowth of a much larger piece of work which the Department of Physics, thru its instructors and major students, has undertaken to complete. The task referred to, is the compilation, arrangement, and summarizing of the various meteorological records taken at the University of Maine for the past forty-four years. These records were begun in the above department by Dr. M. C. Fernald in the year 1869 and were continued by him until 1893. The work was then transferred to the Experiment Station, where observations were made under the direction of Doctors W. H. Jordan and C. …