- The paper mathematically refutes claims challenging the atmospheric greenhouse effect, showing a planet without infrared absorption would be at least 33 K colder than Earth.
- It uses fundamental principles of radiative transfer and energy balance to model planetary temperatures under various conditions, including rotation but lacking atmospheric absorption.
- The analysis demonstrates that greenhouse gases are essential for Earth's observed surface temperature and validates the physics used in climate modeling, countering objections to the effect's legitimacy.
Proof of the Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect
Arthur P. Smith's paper titled "Proof of the Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect" revisits conventional climate physics to refute claims challenging the legitimacy of the greenhouse effect. The primary contention addressed by Smith is a mathematical refutation to demonstrate that a planet lacking an infrared-absorbing atmosphere would have a surface temperature significantly lower than its current state—specifically, at least 33 K cooler for Earth.
Key Arguments and Theoretical Foundations
This paper emphasizes foundational principles of radiative transfer and energy balance in planetary atmospheres. A basic analysis is conducted to demonstrate that, in the absence of an atmosphere capable of absorbing infrared radiation, a planet's average temperature remains below its effective radiative temperature. This constraint is aligned with established formulations of energy conservation and thermodynamics.
The author elaborates on several theoretical models, progressing from simplistic non-rotating planets to more complex rotating scenarios with and without atmospheric layers. For instance, by examining planets without atmospheric absorption, it is demonstrated mathematically that the average planetary surface temperature must be less than or equal to a derived threshold based on solar input parameters and surface characteristics.
Modeling and Numerical Results
Among the models evaluated, a simple rotating planet illuminated by an incoming solar spectrum yields critical insights. This model illustrates that, even accounting for rotation and heat distribution via thermal inertia, the system’s mean temperature remains bounded by the effective radiative temperature.
Smith systematically introduces infrared absorption into the atmospheric model, showing how the greenhouse gases raise surface temperatures above these theoretical bounds. The numerical analyses further substantiate that Earth's surface temperature exceeds its effective radiative temperature by a considerable margin due to greenhouse gas absorption.
Implications and Conclusions
The paper decisively counter-argues the objections raised by Gerlich and Tscheuschner regarding the validity of the greenhouse effect, applying robust physical principles consistent with standard atmospheric physics. The derivation of constraints on temperature without infrared absorption corroborates the necessity of greenhouse gases in achieving observed climatic conditions.
Practically, this research reinforces the understanding required to model Earth's climate and underpins the acknowledgment of greenhouse gases' influential roles in modulating terrestrial climates. The atmospheric greenhouse effect remains pivotal to explaining elevated surface temperatures that cannot be accounted for by solar inputs alone.
Additionally, the paper contributes theoretically by reaffirming the atmospheric greenhouse effect using basic physics concepts. These analyses are crucial in the context of developing accurate climate models and understanding potential future climate scenarios, especially those impacted by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, Smith's work adopts a meticulous and rigorous approach to validate the fundamental concept of the greenhouse effect, dismissing erroneous claims and providing a clear, mathematical affirmation of greenhouse warming essential for Earth's climate system.