arryhuk (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

so whats your point?

gufpott (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Dave, we can amicably agree to differ on whether wind displaces consumption of other fuels. As a point of note, wind turbines employ asynchonous machines and pole slippage is not an issue. (I think that was the original reason for referring to pole slippage - oops!) Also also note how my moderate enthusiasm for wind generation (and other renewables) does not alter my scepticism about AGW.

greenerguardian (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Dave - the expected increase in the frequency of the most intense hurricanes, detailed by Kerry Emanuel and others, is less certain than other anthropogenic global warming consequences such as floods and droughts, but still considered likely. You're correct that regional ocean temperature differentials are important, but these are primarily differences within the tropical oceans, with polar effects not an important consideration.

ziljn (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Famines, "most devastating outbreak of tornadoes ever recorded", armadillos migrating, drought, "worst flooding in centuries", "no sign of reversing", "telltale signs are everywhere", "catastrophic", "the evidence has now begun to accumulate massively", "convincing data", "bizarre and unpredictable weather pattern", "global climatic upheaval". All quotes from: Time "Another Ice Age?" June, 1974 and Newsweek "The Cooling World" April, 1975

DrDave953 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Strange, more intense hurricanes is unlikely with warming due to them being driven by temperature differentials. The poles warm more than the equator, meaning smaller differentials & likely LESS intense hurricanes. Dave.

wilbert1755 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Oh NOOOOO! Not Crab Grass ..the Humanity! Run for the Hills.. I mean Boats since the sea is rising at an Unprecedented rate. Or it is the Ice Melting?

greenerguardian (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

To add to the many known dangers of anthropogenic global warming - floods, more intense hurricanes, droughts, starvation, disease, etc., a new one has emerged - crabgrass. A recent study has shown that rising temperatures stimulate crabgrass growth far more than growth of lawn grasses. This may be the final straw that finally convinces doubters here of the need for action. A relevant website is global-warming. accuweather. com/.

DrDave953 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I think we are largely in agreement on the issues of coal & gas generation & confusion has arisen die to terminology. Our main point of contention which I believe we will never reach agreement on is the validity or otherwise of wind turbines. Loss of synchronisation which you have referred to as pole slippage is a problem common to all generating plant, wind is no different in that respect. Dave.

gufpott (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

"Which is exactly why I relate it to motors, not generators." They both involve torque. I don't know if shutdown/standby just a question of language. What is without doubt is that two-shifting units cease generation and auxiliaries are switched off too. Spinning reserve is provided by actively generating units, operating at or above minimum stable generation. Open cycle gas turbines can start up quickly. Combined cycle includes a steam cycle and brings similar issues to coal.

laurelbush (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

i believe the met office said we were in for a warm summer and a mild winter, spot on as usual,