Scientists now have proof that man is responsible for global warming, as if you didn’t know that. But then again there were few theories that held sun and volcanoes responsible for global warming.
A new study conducted by Scripps Institution of Oceanography has now proved it beyond doubts that man is solely responsible for rise in global temperatures during the last century.
"The debate over whether or not there is a global warming signal is now over, at least for rational people," said Tim Barnett a marine physicist, who led the research. He was talking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The convincing proof was obtained after the scientists used computer models based on data collected from oceans in last 40 years. The computer simulations showed how higher levels of human-generated greenhouse gases will heat the oceans.
"We were stunned by the degree of similarity between the observations and the models," said Barnett.
"It's really undeniable that global warming is going on, whether you see it in the ocean or in the ecosystems," he said. "There's really a gazillion places to look for it."
So what happens when the globe heats up and why is global warming a potential catastroph?
Oceans cover more than 70 percent of Earth's surface and are key regulators of climate. Even a rise of 1 degree Fahrenheit can disturb the delicate water cycle on the planet and can ultimately affect the climate system. As the climate rises polar ice will start melting and fresh water from melted ice would get mixed with the salty ocean waters.
Greenland’s ice cap contains enough ice to raise sea levels globally by 23 feet (7 meters) and it has already started to melt. Entry of fresh waters in salty ocean water will slowdown and ultimately shutdown the "conveyer belt" system in the ocean.
The conveyor belt brings cold and salty water from the Arctic to the south and moves warm water from the tropics to the north. Stopping this circulation will drastically change the world's climate.
"The system is moving in that direction," said Ruth Curry of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. ”As the Earth warms, its water cycle is changing, being pushed out of kilter," she said. "Ice is in decline everywhere on the planet."
