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The changing global climate is producing increasingly unusual weather relative to preindustrial conditions. In an absolute sense, these changing conditions constitute direct evidence of anthropogenic climate change. However, human evaluation of weather as either normal or abnormal will also be influenced by a range of factors including expectations, memory limitations, and cognitive biases. Here we show that experience of weather in recent years--rather than longer historical periods--determines the climatic baseline against which current weather is evaluated, potentially obscuring public recognition of anthropogenic climate change. We employ variation in decadal trends in temperature at weekly and county resolution over the continental United States, combined with discussion of the weather drawn from over 2 billion social media posts. These data indicate that the remarkability of particular temperatures changes rapidly with repeated exposure. Using sentiment analysis tools, we provide evidence for a "boiling frog" effect: The declining noteworthiness of historically extreme temperatures is not accompanied by a decline in the negative sentiment that they induce, indicating that social normalization of extreme conditions rather than adaptation is driving these results. Using climate model projections we show that, despite large increases in absolute temperature, anomalies relative to our empirically estimated shifting baseline are small and not clearly distinguishable from zero throughout the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the period of the Great Storm of 1839 describe it as the worst storm in living memory. On December 14th of that year, the weather changed abruptly, ending the hitherto mild and beautiful season. The storm began with rain and terrific gusts of wind, followed by snow after a sudden drop in temperature. The drifts rose as high as the second story of a house.

In thiswork,we present the results of an experimental study of the Stark shifts of atomic helium lines at 706.519, 728.135, 471.315, 501.568, 667.815 and 447.148 nm in the electron density range (0.6-7)× 1023 m-3. Stark shift is always presented together with the corresponding electron density and electron temperature. Best-fitting formulas of experimental data enable plasma electron density diagnostics with an accuracy of (15-20 per cent) in the temperature range (10 000-30 000) K. The influence of Debye shielding on the Stark shifts is carefully examined and the experimental results are compared with other experimental and theoretical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Variability is a very important inherent characteristic of climate and it varies on all timescales. It is also considered an important factor regarding changes of extreme events. On the basis of daily temperature records at 63 stations in the eastern and central Tibetan Plateau during 1960-2008, we examine changes of temperature mean, variability and extremes for the region, and study correlations between multiscale temperature variability and various extreme temperature events. Results show that considering the entire study region, a significantly decreasing trend is observed for intra-annual temperature variability ( StdD), whereas a significantly increasing trend is observed for interannual temperature variability ( IVT). Further relationships between multiscale temperature variability and temperature extremes over the past 49 years show that IVT is positively correlated with cold/warm nights ( TN10/ TN90) and warm days ( TX90), whereas StdD is positively correlated with cold extremes ( TN10/ TX10) and negatively correlated with warm extremes ( TN90/ TX90). Nevertheless, annual mean temperature also plays an important role in the relationships between temperature variability and temperature extremes, for correlations between IVT and cold temperature extremes in two warming periods are quite different. Stations with different temperature trends for mean, variability and extremes in the two warming periods are categorized in the study region, and these temperature characteristics in each category are also affected by local effects, such as elevation, topography and urbanization. However, in strong warming periods, the change of mean temperature still has a dominant effect on extreme temperature events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of temperature deformations of end measures of length on the process of monitoring precision parts is examined. An experimental-analytic method for determining temperature deformations of end measures of length is proposed and experimentally tested for use in linear measurements in the nanometer range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth's climate is affected, among other factors, by the precession angle. Decrease of the precession angle is accompanied by a noticeable climate cool-down. As soon as Earth's average near-surface temperature reaches some critical value, glaciation emerges. The emergence and growth of ice covers unavoidably result in a distortion of Earth's spherical symmetry (its equilibrium revolution) causing relatively rapid increase in the precession angle. There is a good correlation between the theoretical and experimental data. These data indicate that the glaciations over the northern continents and the advent of the glaciation periods occurred after the average Earth's temperature declines below ≈ +10.5°C to 10°C. As a result of the interaction between the Moon and Earth during the Pleistocene time, slow but orderly climate cooling episodes occurred periodically. Their magnitude was 8°C to 10°C, and their duration reached 100,000 to 120,000 years. After a thick ice cover formed, the climate rapidly, during a few thousand years, warmed up by the same amount of 8°C to 10°C, and the glaciations degraded just as rapidly. Thus, that Moon-Earth interaction in combination with the glaciations induces substantially nonlinear self-oscillatory climatic processes, which are so typical for the entire Late Pleistocene time. In the future, despite the abundant release of anthropogenic gases, there will be a significant cooling down, possibly the most severe in the geologic history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystis spp. blooms have occurred annually in western Lake Erie since about 1995. Microcystis produce a group of toxins known as microcystins which can be harmful to livestock and to humans. In this study, surface water samples were collected from six sites during six sampling events from July to October in 2007. In situ environmental data (e.g. pH, temperature) and laboratory analyses (e.g. nutrients) were carried out to characterize the six sites. The Microcystis spp. density ranged from 10² to 107 cells/ml. Microcystin-LR concentration of 20 of all 36 samples were below the detection limit (0.15-5 ppb), while the microcystin-LR concentration in the 16 remaining samples ranged from 0.5 to 3 x 10³ μg per gram dry weight. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationships between sampling location, environmental parameters, Microcystis spp. concentration, and microcystin-LR concentration. The results suggest that temperature, nutrient concentration, turbidity, and wind speed and direction ( P < 0.05) are factors which affected Microcystis spp. density. Sampling site 8M, located 13m from the Maumee River, provided an advantage for Microcystis spp. growth, presumably due to intermediate water depth (5.5 m) combined with impact from the river. No relationship was found between Microcystis spp. density and microcystin-LR concentration. Temperature, nutrient concentration and DO ( P < 0.05) were associated with the production of microcystin-LR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maps are essential in climate change research and policymaking, and are primary tools for communicating climate change information to the public. The consequences of cartographic design are potentially significant to understanding climate change and effectively informing policymakers. Yet, the cartographic design and quality of climate change maps have not been critically assessed nor systematically evaluated. We suggest that evaluating the quality of climate change maps is both timely and essential, and offer one approach as a demonstration. We use cartographic design principles to evaluate a ‘high visibility’ climate change map from the 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Our specific goals are to demonstrate the need and value of cartographic critique, describe how such evaluation can be accomplished, and make a case for cartographers’ engagement with climate change scientists in mapping activities. We suggest a research and policy agenda for the cartographic evaluation and design of climate change maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A recycled polyethylene was fed in a pilot plant bubbling fluidized bed gasifier, having an internal diameter of 0.381m and a maximum feeding capacity of 90kg/h. The experimental runs were carried out under various operating conditions: the bed temperature was kept at about 850°C, the equivalence ratio varied between 0.2 and 0.35, the amount of bed material was between 131 and 215kg, the fluidizing velocity was between 0.5 and 0.7m/s, quartz sand and olivine were used as bed material, and air and steam were used as fluidizing reactants. The results confirm that the tar removal treatments applied inside the gasifier (primary methods) can eliminate or strongly reduce the need for a further downstream cleanup of the syngas. In particular, the utilization of a natural olivine as an in situ tar reduction agent remarkably improves the quality of the product gas, in terms of both high hydrogen volumetric fraction and larger syngas yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Experiments to prepare activated carbon by microwave heating indicated that microwave energy can decrease reaction temperature, save the energy and shorten processing time remarkably compared to conventional heating, owing to its internal and volumetric heating effects. The above results were based on the laboratory-scale experiments. It is desirable to develop a pilot-scale microwave heating equipment and investigate the parameters with the aim of technological industrialization. In the present study, the components and features of the self-invented equipment were introduced. The temperature rise curves of the chars were obtained. Iodine numbers of the activated carbons all exceed the state standard of China under the following conditions: 25kg/h charging rate, 0.42rev/min turning rate of ceramic tube, flow rate of steam at pressure of 0.01MPa and 40kW microwave heating power after 60kW pre-activation for 30min. Pore structure of the sample obtained at a time point of 46h, which contained BET surface area, and pore size distributions of micropores and total pores, was tested by nitrogen adsorption at 77K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The influence of two physicochemical factors involved in winemaking, temperature and SO2, on the kinetics and metabolic behavior of Kloeckera apiculata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was examined. Highest biomass was reached at 15 and 25°C for K. apiculata and S. cerevisiae, respectively. Pure cultures of K. apiculata died off early with increasing temperature, but in co-culture with S. cerevisiae it showed higher viability and a change in the death curve from exponential to linear. Statistical analysis revealed that metabolite production was significantly different for the three cultures and also at the different fermentation temperatures. Besides, the interaction between culture type and temperature was significant. At temperatures from 15 to 30°C the mixed culture showed similar ethanol and lower acetic acid production compared with a pure culture of K. apiculata. SO2 addition slightly increased survival of the non- Saccharomyces species in pure and mixed cultures. Statistical evaluation indicated that culture type and SO2 addition significantly affected metabolite production, but the interaction between culture and SO2 was not significant. These results contribute to current knowledge of enological factors and their effect on prevalence and fermentative activities of the composite yeast flora and the statistical significance emphasizes the importance of the combined influence of the culture type and physicochemical factors on the production of fermentation metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Identification of the mechanisms contributing to nitrogen (N) fertilizer-induced changes in CO2 efflux from soil under agricultural crops has been extremely challenging because of difficulties in separating root and microbial contribution to total CO2 efflux. In this study we present the evidence that high costs of nitrate reduction result in a strong increase of root-derived respiration and the magnitude of an increase differs between the species with various contribution of shoots and roots to the nitrate reduction process. Fertilization of Lupinus albus and Zea mays with nitrate or ammonium and pulse labeling of plants in 14CO2 atmosphere allowed evaluation of the effect of N type on total and recently assimilated CO2 efflux from soil. Addition of nitrate to planted soil increased recently assimilated CO2 efflux by 168% in Lupinus albus (nitrate reduction site – in roots) and by 121% in Zea mays (nitrate reduction site both, in shoots and roots) in comparison with control. Ammonium-induced CO2 increase amounted for 82% in Lupinus albus and for 73% in Zea mays. Clear diurnal changes in CO2 efflux from planted soil at constant day/night temperature showed fast response of below-ground processes to photosynthesis. Both approaches for root-derived CO2 assessment: 14C pulse labeling and difference of CO2 from planted and unplanted soil showed similar results: the form of N supply and the location of the nitrate reduction site have a strong significant effect on the amount of root-derived CO2 respiration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract  The kelp bed of Gouqi Island lies in the east of the East China Sea, in the Shengsi Archipelago. It is a key component of the island-reef ecosystem. This study evaluated kelp beds on intertidal and subtidal zones from 2004 to 2006. We evaluated seasonal variations in the community structure of macroalgae, and their relationship with water temperature, nitrogen and phytoplankton. The Gouqi Island kelp bed consists mainly of species of Sargassum. Sargassum horneri was the dominant species in subtidal zones, representing 90% of the total biomass. The dominant species in intertidal zones were S. fusiforme, S. horneri, S. thunbergii and Undaria pinnatifida. Fifty-four phytoplankton species were found in the Gouqi Island kelp bed, of which 51 species were found inside the kelp beds, 43 species outside the kelp beds, and 40 species were present both inside and outside the kelp beds. Diatoms were dominant both inside and outside the kelp beds. Except in winter, Skeletonema costatum was dominant, and its abundance in autumn was over 98% of the total abundance. Water temperature was found to be the primary factor influencing the growth of S. horneri in the Gouqi Island kelp bed. S. horneri grew slowly from November to March, and rapidly from March to June. The upper temperature limit for growth of S. horneri was about 18°C. Higher water temperatures can result in a decline in the kelp bed. Nitrogen seemed to be a limiting factor for macroalgal growth. This was particularly true for S. horneri and phytoplankton. Since nitrate is the primary nutrient for S. horneri, its absorption by S. horneri resulted in seasonal changes of nitrate in the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Negative gate bias is used in some applications for faster switching off the n-channel MOS devices. It is shown in this study that NBT stress-related instability in commercial n-channel power VDMOSFETs could be actually more serious than in corresponding p-channel devices. NBT stress is found to create equal V T shifts in both device types, whereas the subsequent positive bias annealing results in more serious overall V T instability in n-channel devices. The changes in the densities of stress-induced interface traps in two device types are equal as well, but significant amounts of NBT stress-induced border traps are only found in n-channel devices. All the results are discussed in terms of hydrogen reaction and diffusion model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The thermal and light-induced spin transitions in [FexZn1−x(phen)2(NCS)2] (phen = 1,10-phenantholine) have been investigated by magnetic susceptibility, photomagnetism and diffuse reflectivity measurements. These complexes display a thermal spin transition and undergo the light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) effect at low temperatures. For each compound, the thermal spin transition temperature, T1/2, and the relaxation temperature of the photo-induced high-spin state, T(LIESST), have been systematically determined. It appears that T1/2 decreases with the metal dilution while T(LIESST) remains unchanged. This behaviour is discussed on the basis of the kinetic study governing the photo-induced back conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the impact of different averaging algorithms on daily maximum and minimum temperature. The authors found out that some surface climate networks produced a systematic warming or cooling bias in daily maximum or minimum temperature observation which led to resulting biases making the diurnal temperature range more biased in extreme climate studies, in comparison to the longest recorded and standard liquid-in-glass maximum and minimum thermometers. They recommend providing an accurate description of daily maximum and minimum temperatures to prevent the uncertainties in the observed climatology.

In this research we have examined the influence of deuterium low content water on Sequoia vitroplantlets, resulted from „in vitro‟ regeneration of this plant. The biological material was exposed to a 36-38°C (97-100°F) high environmental temperature, for 40 days. During this time we have made observations concerning plantlets growth and also their survival percentage. This experiment has shown that 50% to 75% proportion of deuterium low content water (DLCW), added in culture media, has a good stimulator effect to Sequoia sp. L vitroplantlets growth, and help vitroplantlets to pass thru a relative long warm period, protecting them from chlorosis induced by hyperthermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1-yr meteorological dataset for the terminal area of Frankfurt Airport in Germany has been generated with a numerical weather prediction system to provide a synthetic though realistic database for the evaluation of new operational aircraft arrival procedures and their associated risks. The comparison of the 1-yr dataset with a local surface wind climatology indicates that the main climatological features are recovered. A subset of 40 days is validated against measurements from a sound detection and range/radio acoustic sounding system (SODAR/RASS) taken at Frankfurt Airport. The RMS errors of wind speed and direction are between 1.5 m s-1 at the surface and 2 m s-1 at 300 m and 40°, respectively. The frequency distribution of meteorological parameters, such as the wind component perpendicular to the glide path, shear, and thermal stratification, show good agreement with observations. The magnitude of the turbulent energy dissipation rate near the surface is systematically overestimated, whereas above 100 m the authors find on average a slight underestimation. The analysis of the database with respect to crosswind conditions along the glide path indicates only a time fraction of 12% for which the crosswind is above a threshold of 2 m s-1. A similar result is obtained using a grid point near the airport that mimics a wind profiler, which suggests that in a majority of cases a wind profiler appears sufficient to cover the expected crosswind conditions along the glide path. A simple parameterization to account for the crosswind variability along the glide path is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of a uniform horizontal temperature gradient to prescribed fixed heating is calculated in the context of an extended version of surface quasigeostrophic dynamics. It is found that for zero mean surface flow and weak cross-gradient structure the prescribed heating induces a mean temperature anomaly proportional to the spatial Hilbert transform of the heating. The interior potential vorticity generated by the heating enhances this surface response. The time-varying part is independent of the heating and satisfies the usual linearized surface quasigeostrophic dynamics. It is shown that the surface temperature tendency is a spatial Hilbert transform of the temperature anomaly itself. It then follows that the temperature anomaly is periodically modulated with a frequency proportional to the vertical wind shear. A strong local bound on wave energy is also found. Reanalysis diagnostics are presented that indicate consistency with key findings from this theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We compared the accuracy of an ingestible telemetry pill method of core temperature (T c) measurement and an infrared tympanic membrane thermometer to values from a rectal thermistor during exercise-induced heat stress. Ten well-trained subjects completed four exercise trials consisting of 40min constant-load exercise at 63% of maximum work rate followed by a 16.1km time trial at 30°C and 70% relative humidity. Temperature at rest was not different between the three methods of T c measurement (T re: 37.2±0.3°C; T p: 37.2±0.2°C; T ty: 37.1±0.3°C; ). Temperature rose continuously during the exercise period (ΔT re: 2.2±0.5°C; ΔT p: 2.2±0.5°C; ΔT ty: 1.9±0.5±°C and there were no differences between T re and T p measurements at any time throughout exercise (). While there were no differences between T re and T ty after 10min () and 20min () of exercise, T ty was lower than T re after 30min of exercise () and remained significantly lower throughout the remainder of the exercise period. These results demonstrate that the telemetry pill system provides a valid measurement of trunk temperature during rest and exercise-induced thermal strain. T ty was significantly lower than T re when temperature exceeded 37.5°C. However, whether these differences are due to selective brain cooling or imperfections in the tympanic membrane thermometer methodology remains to be determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using long-term datasets of sea surface temperature (SST), core-layer temperature (CLT) of the North Pacific subtropical mode water (NPSTMW), and the North Pacific index, an impact of remote reemergence of NPSTMW on winter SST variation in the central North Pacific is quantitatively investigated. A running correlation analysis between CLT and winter SST in the remote reemergence area clearly shows that an occurrence of remote reemergence of NPSTMW strongly depends on the specific time period: occurrence period and nonoccurrence period. It is found that background conditions, such as formation rate of NPSTMW, winter mixed layer depth, ocean heat content, and buoyancy flux, play a crucial role in the period-dependent remote reemergence. In the occurrence (nonoccurrence) periods, since a large positive (negative) upper-ocean heat content anomaly is located around the central North Pacific, a deeper (shallower) winter mixed layer is formed in both the formation area and the reemergence area of NPSTMW. Therefore, a large (small) amount of NPSTMW is formed, and consequently the advective part of NPSTMW is preserved (dissipated) from (because of) a vigorous mixing due to salt-finger-type convection. In addition, larger (less) oceanic buoyancy loss contributes to an occurrence of reemergence. These are favorable (unfavorable) conditions for persistence of thermal anomalies and occurrence of reemergence in the central North Pacific. Using a multiple regression analysis, it is shown that remote reemergence gives a significant impact to an equivalent degree to the surface thermal forcing related with the Aleutian low activity on winter SST variation during the occurrence periods, while there is no significant contribution to SST variation during the nonoccurrence periods. It is also shown that the period-dependent reemergence closely connects with the Aleutian low activity with a lag of 6 to 8 yr, that is, the spinup/spindown of the subtropical gyre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a noise-driven model for obtaining the gap and line-width as functions of the temperature in the nonlinear sigma model. The method is phenomenological and rests on the following physical idea: a classical external stochastic field is introduced representing the coupling of the sigma field with a noise source. Moreover, we assume that the inelastic scattering length is much longer than the elastic one, justifying the neglect of dissipation for temperatures such that the nonlinear sigma model is a good approximation for antiferromagnetic spin chains. This phenomenological approach is justified by comparison with other theoretical predictions and with experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A negative relationship between rearing temperature and adult size is widespread in ectotherms yet its causes remain poorly understood. It has been suggested that summer generations of some aquatic insects provide exceptions to this temperature size rule (TSR). The hypothesis that seasonal time constraints are responsible for these exceptions was tested using the mayfly Cloeon dipterum. Simulating early-season conditions by varying photoperiod and temperature, we found that this species followed the TSR. However, under simulated seasonal time constraints, the species omitted most of its summer adult generation (delaying completion of nymphal development till the next year), which limited the scope and applicability of the hypothesis for this species. Even those animals that completed nymphal development before winter showed no weakening of the negative temperature size relationship that was predicted by the hypothesis. Moreover, these animals did not increase rates of development or growth in response to simulated time constraints. We then analysed further the study that originally indicated aquatic insect exceptions to the TSR and suggest that gaps in the data and/or experimental design can explain the apparent exceptions. From these analyses and a survey of other exceptions, we conclude that time constraints do not account for any reported counter-TSR relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We analyze the phase diagram of QCD with four staggered flavors in the plane using a method recently proposed by us. We explore the region and , where is the transition temperature at zero baryon density, and find a first order transition line. Our results are quantitatively compatible with those obtained with the imaginary chemical potential approach and the double reweighting method, in the region where these approaches are reliable, and . But, in addition, our method allows us to extend the transition line to lower temperatures and higher chemical potentials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Majungaella Grekoff is shown to be the only member of the once dominant ostracod family Progonocytheridae, Progonocytherinae to survive the Jurassic and also to survive the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary event. In the Jurassic, Majungaella had a northeastern gondwanine distribution, occurring only in India, Africa and Madagascar. However, during the Neocomian it appears in South America where it extends to the Maastrichtian, while in Australia it first appears in the Aptian and ranges up to the Campanian. Its last records in Africa are in the Cenomanian of South Africa and the Santonian of south-western Africa. This southward shift into higher latitudes was probably due to an increasing cryophilia and, although this may have also been prompted by competitive exclusion by better adapted, newly evolved taxa, it is difficult to demonstrate this due to the universal distribution of most Late Mesozoic ostracod genera. Whatever the reason, Majungaella seems to have become, during the Cretaceous, increasingly adapted to living in high-latitude shallow seas and this adaptation is advanced as the prime reason why the genus, alone among the progonocytherids was able to survive both the post-Cretaceous global cooling and Antarctic palaeoenvironments into the Late Neogene. Eocene, Oligocene and Pliocene occurrences of Majungaella in the Antarctic are investigated and it is concluded that the genus is in situ in all instances and that, especially in the two latter cases, it lived in water temperatures very much lower than those of its Mesozoic forebears. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An interannual seesaw between the intensities of the Icelandic and Aleutian lows and its impact on surface climate observed during the twentieth century are investigated. In a recent period from the late 1960s to the early 1990s, their seesaw relationship was particularly apparent in late winter. The associated anomalies in surface air temperature were significant in many regions over the extratropical Northern Hemisphere except in central portions of the continents. The seesaw also modified the ocean–atmosphere exchange of heat and moisture extensively over the North Atlantic and North Pacific by changing evaporation and precipitation. Since the seesaw formation was triggered by eastward propagation of stationary Rossby wave trains from the North Pacific into the North Atlantic, anomalous circulation over the North Pacific in January was identified as a good precursor for February surface air temperatures in the Euro–Atlantic sector during that period. The seesaw relationship between the two lows underwent multidecadal modulations during the twentieth century. It was weak in the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s, while it was particularly strong during the preceding period from the 1920s to the 1940s with its impact on surface temperatures as extensive as in the recent period. Although it reached maturity in January, the precursory signal of the seesaw in that early period was also found in the North Pacific one month earlier, which suggests that the formation was through essentially the same mechanisms as in the recent period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced kinetic study on the thermal behaviour of pyrotechnic ignition mixtures has been carried out by differential scanning calorimetry using different B/KNO3 mixtures (50:50, 30:70, 20:80) as a model reaction. The experimental conditions applied (isochoric conditions/closed crucibles and isobaric conditions/open crucibles) as well as the composition of the mixtures noticeably influences the relative thermal stabilities of the energetic materials. The kinetic study focused on the prediction of the thermal stability of the different mixtures both in extended temperature ranges and under temperature conditions at which ordinary investigation would be very difficult. Using advanced numerical tools [1], thermal ageing and influence of the complex thermal environment on the heat accumulation conditions were computed. This can be done for any surrounding temperature profile such as isothermal, non-isothermal, stepwise, modulated, shock, adiabatic conditions and additionally for temperature profiles reflecting real atmospheric temperature changes (yearly temperature profiles of different climates with daily minimal and maximal fluctuations). Applications of accurate decomposition kinetics enabled the determination of the time to maximum rate under adiabatic conditions (TMRad) with a precision given by the confidence interval of the predictions. This analysis can then be applied for the examination of the effects of the surrounding temperature for safe storage or transportation conditions (e.g. determination of the safe transport or storage temperatures). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature time series for stations in western North Carolina are used to evaluate the potential for an urban signal in the local temperature trend, and to compare a homogeneous temperature record from a mountain-top station to two versions of the lower-tropospheric, satellite-derived temperatures from the Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU). Results regarding the urban signal are in agreement with the conclusion from previous investigations that after a location is urbanized, the local temperature trend is consistent with trends derived from surrounding, more rural stations. With respect to the mountain top and lower-tropospheric temperature comparison, the magnitudes of the two MSU-derived trends for the western North Carolina area are closer to the average annual minimum temperature trend than to the annual average maximum temperature trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article is devoted to make available a method to generate hourly ambient temperature values when the monthly average hourly ambient temperature, &Tmacr;ah is known. Cumulative frequency distributions for hourly ambient temperature have been developed employing normalized variables. The normalized variables used in the present study contain not only the monthly average hourly ambient temperature but also the maximum, Tah.max, and minimum, Tah,min. In order that the frequency distributions developed in the present study become available for the purpose of calculating hourly ambient temperature when &Tmacr;ah only is known, correlations to estimate Tah.max and Tah.min from known parameters have been presented. The ability of the present distributions to generate hourly ambient temperatures during a day has also been established. A large data base of 239 locations has been employed in developing and validating the distributions and the needed additional correlations. The predicted hourly ambient temperature values have been found to be in agreement with data values within a % rms difference of 0.30 (when Tah is in K) and the standard deviation has been found to be 0.85 K. The agreement between the predicted hourly ambient temperatures during a day employing the present distributions and the data values has been excellent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been shown that the average climatic chart, being based upon a topographic approximation to the true ground surface, is no more accurate than that approximation and cannot be adequately interpreted without it. Methods have been suggested for formalizing the approximative processes so as to reveal the most significant characteristics of the actual climatic distributions. These methods may be applied with benefit wherever a climatic element is affected by topography, even in areas of low relief. Applying this procedure to the description of the mean temperature of the Guinea highlands of West Africa, maps have been constructed which show the distribution of mean temperature in a fashion which gives it more meaning for he geographer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article comments on temperature trend results, referred to as MAPP, that estimate surface temperature trends over the U.S. due to aircraft-induced contrails and cirrus, to be in good agreement with corresponding observations over the period 1973 to 1994. MAPP reach this conclusion based on a simple model calibrated using general circulation model results. Depending on the assumed cirrus optical depth, MAPP estimate an annual-mean surface warming trend over the U.S. However, the author believes that MAPP significantly overestimate the climate impact of aircraft-induced clouds.

This article focuses on temperature trend results, referred to as MAPP, that are said to be overestimated by an order of magnitude since MAPP implicitly assumed that the average Northern Hemisphere temperature response to a change in cirrus cloud cover applies at the regional level. The basis for this argument is on an indication that the net equilibrium increase in temperature due to increased cirrus clouds is diffused over a wide area and shows only a minimal geographical relationship to the original forcing.

The article offers a report relating to climate change in planet Mars. It states that in a previous study in the journal "Nature" revealed that Mars is experiencing climate change that increased surface air temperatures on the planet by 0.65 degrees Celsius from it's 1970 temperature to the 1990. According to the report, dust on the planet's surface reflects sunlight and keeps down temperatures, but violent storms disrupt the dust and stifle this albedo effect, causing the absorption of more heat and higher temperatures. It notes that the positive feedback is taking place on Mars, with a cyclical pattern on warmer temperatures causing stronger winds, which spreads more dust around, which leads to still warmer temperatures.