University Daily Kansan / Thursday. November 20. 1986
9
Greenhouse effect has started, scientists say
By COLLEEN SIERES
Staff writer
Scientists in California have discovered evidence that they say may indicate that the "greenhouse effect," a slow, worldwide warming trend, has been
Arthur H. Lachenbruch and B. Vaughn Marshall, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., discovered that the ground temperature in parts of Alaska has warmed between 4 degrees and 7 degrees during the last century.
But Charlie Perry, hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey in Lawrence said scientists who espouse a particular theory tend to believe all new data confirm their own prediction.
The greenhouse effect occurs when a layer of carbon dioxide molecules surrounds the earth
Carbon dioxide allows the sun's heat to pass
through to the earth, but traps most of the heat that bounces back from the earth's surface. The amount of heat trapped within the earth's atmosphere determines, in part, the surface temperature of the earth.
During the last century, the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere has increased dramatically because hydrocarbons emitted from the burning of fossil fuels, such as petroleum and coal, have combined with oxygen in the air to create additional carbon dioxide molecules.
"People aren't looking at the total picture," Perry said.
As the layer of carbon dioxide that blankets the earth thickens, less heat escapes and the temperature rises.
Perry said that deforestation to accommodate the world's growing population also contributes to an increasing carbon dioxide content because the trees are burned. Also,
According to a report in the January issue of Discover magazine, if mankind continues to burn 1 or 2 percent more fossil fuel a year and to cut down forests at the present rate, the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere will double to about 560 parts per million between 2050 and 2100.
plants breathe carbon dioxide, he said.
Don Steeple, a scientist at the Kansas Geological Survey on West Campus, said that centuries would pass before the Earth heated to an uninhabitable degree.
However, researchers' main concern is that increasing heat will melt the Northern Iceland and Antarctic glaciers and put some of the world's ports underwater, he said.
A recent study from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Washington, D.C., shows that an increase in sea levels from 15 to 25 feet would put half of Florida and Louisiana and more than one-tenth of Virginia. Delaware
and New York under water.
Much of the land of cities like New York, Miami, Boston, Baltimore and San Francisco would be lost, the study said.
Nearly 16 million Americans would be displaced, and congressmen would arrive at the Capitol by boat, the study in Discover predicted.
Perry said Kansas might be faced with severe heat waves and different rainfall patterns which could decrease the productivity of the farming industry.
Also, dried up bodies of water could cause problems with transporting farming products outside of the farming belt, he said.
"The theory should be studied and the effects modeled so that we can plan for the changes and the economic shock won't be near as great." he said.
On the Record
A bicycle valued at $450 was taken about 10:15 p.m. Tuesday from the sidewalk of a photocopying store in the 600 block of 12th Street, Lawrence police reported.
A Lawrence man was charged with cruelty to animals and for discharging a firearm in the city limits at about 8:10 p.m. Monday. The man fired a pistol at a dog that he said was attacking him. Police gave the man a notice to appear in Douglas County District Court.
■ Lumber valued at $1,033 was taken Sept. 27 from a construction site in the 1500 block of Crossgate Road, Lawrence police reported.
On Campus
■ Maranatha Campus Ministries will sponsor a multimedia presentation "Rock and Roll: A Search for God" at noon today in Alderson Auditorium of the Kamas Union.
Sigma Psi will sponsor a speech by Paul Winn on personnel administration at 7 p.m. today in Gallery East of the Kansas Union.
- Maranatha Campus Ministries will sponsor a speech by Nick Pappis, evangelist, at 7 p.m. today at the Maranatha Christian Church, 2859
Four Wheel Drive.
The Student Union Activities Champion's Club will meet at 7 p.m. today in the Trail Room of the Kansas Union.
The KU Chapter of the National Organization for Women will meet at 7:30 p.m. today in Cork 2 Room of the Kansas Union,
The KU International Dance Club will meet at 8 p.m. tomorrow in the gymnasium of St. John's School, 1208 Kentucky St.
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