On The Physics of Glaciations and Lessons Learned

Abstract

Abstract Fossil fuel reserves will ultimately be depleted, and carbon neutral or low carbon economies of the future may restore past climate regulating parameters. Therefore, knowledge of the physics of glaciations and paleoclimates is warranted. Glaciations occurred when the atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide. They were initiated by the instinctive and inherent tendency of living matter to multiply. When the size of aquatic photosynthesis increased, chemical energy was stored in plant tissues, and the surrounding sea water lost an equal amount of heat. The decrease in sea temperature was small; however, it was amplified by the ocean. Aquatic photosynthesis is a thermodynamic cycle and requires a flow of sea water medium of heat transfer. The flow of water alters the thermohaline circulation pattern. As a result, during cooling periods, cold water of the deep ocean was displaced to the surface, and surface cooling was amplified. The opposite occurred during warming periods. The cold water was returned back to the deep ocean. Accordingly, past surface temperature variation is calculated and found to be in agreement with observations. Based on this understanding, reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 ppmv is unnecessary, and artificial sequestration of carbon dioxide is unjustified.