Disquisitions Relating to Principles of Thermodynamic Equilibrium in Climate Modelling.

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Atmospheric Science
• Climate Modeling

Background:

• Atmospheric temperature and pressure gradients (lapse rates) are crucial for weather and climate.
• Current climate models incorrectly assume adiabatic expansion determines the tropospheric lapse rate.
• This assumption violates the second law of thermodynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the fundamental principles of thermodynamic equilibrium in atmospheric heat transfer.
• To challenge the adiabatic expansion hypothesis used in climate models.
• To propose an alternative explanation for global warming based on radiation and fuel emissions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of thermodynamic equilibrium and heat transfer processes in the atmosphere.
• Development of a 1D-2level primitive model incorporating radiative transfer and greenhouse gases (H2O, CO2).
• Comparison of model results with observed atmospheric lapse rates.

Main Results:

• The tropospheric lapse rate is primarily determined by radiative heat transfer, not adiabatic expansion.
• A linear lapse rate is obtained when radiative processes and transducer gases are considered.
• Increasing CO2 concentration may lead to a net cooling effect in the lower troposphere.

Conclusions:

• The adiabatic expansion hypothesis in climate models is thermodynamically flawed.
• Radiation heat transfer, influenced by greenhouse gases, is the dominant factor in determining the atmospheric lapse rate.
• Global warming may be better explained by the enthalpy footprint of fuel combustion rather than increased CO2 concentrations.