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Scientists have discovered the Arctic ocean seabed is leaking huge amounts of methane into the atmosphere. The research published in the journal Science shows the permafrost under the East Siberian Arctic shelf, which was thought to be a barrier sealing methane, is perforated. Read more here. (1)
NYT: Pachauri Faces Credibility Siege
The New York Times is reporting that: Dr. Pachauri and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are now under intense scrutiny, facing accusations of scientific sloppiness and potential financial conflicts of interest from climate skeptics, right-leaning politicians and even some mainstream scientists. More here. (1)
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UK Met Office Can't Forecast Weather
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Posted by jennifer, December 18th, 2008 - under News.
Tags: Drought
Based on the 130 years of data, Baker predicts that the current solar cycle, which reached a minimum in 2007, will continue a bit longer. In fact, he says, “there could be a 100-year minimum in solar activity,” meaning much of Australia could experience a prolonged drought. Read more here.
Intersting hypothesis, but checking only two of the maps given, Jan-sept 23 and Aug22-Sept 23 shows that we would be rash to bet the property on these forecasts.
For my area, the data Aug22-Sept23 looks cherry picked. Above average, and timely rains in 1922 which petered out in Aug 22. The figures for Jan-Sept 23 show the continuation of an exceptionally dry period, which was a drought.
My point is, farmers have to trust their weather experience, and go with conditions on the ground, each year. This data dredge is interesting, and it may have something, but I would not bet the station (farm/ranch for non-Austrailans) on it. Nor should grant seekers and policy wonks bet taxpayers money or farmers livelihoods on it.
but the sun is still silent yet we’ve just had rainfall over the entire country.
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/climate/recent.jsp?lt=wzcountry&lc=aus&c=rain_decile&p=mth