Science of Climate Change: Greenhouse Effect and Feedbacks
Bobby Marsland, Princeton University Class of 2011
These two documents should provide interested readers with a starting point for learning the details of the physics behind the climate change issue.
Junior Paper.pdf
This is the junior paper I wrote in the fall in the physics department. It contains a fairly detailed description of the science of global warming, including the principles of the greenhouse effect and the operation of climate feedback mechanisms. It also has a good list of references at the end for further reading.
Radiation Tutorial.ppt
This a very informative document about radiation transfer in the atmosphere put together by Professor Patrick Arnott of the University of Nevada, Reno. It goes into much greater detail on the physics of the greenhouse effect, and also includes a lengthy segment on the role of clouds in trapping and scattering radiaition.
Also, you might want to check out this editorial from an accomplished physicist explaining why CO2 should not be considered a pollutant.
Page last updated 2/4/10