"Jonathan Kirwan" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 20:24:28 +0000 (UTC), (Eric
Swanson)
wrote:

Of course, this positive feedback does not imply runaway warming.

"... if there are other negative feedbacks in the system that will arise
to
eventually counter it in a new equilibrium."

Yes?

Jon

That is correct. With respect to temperature vs. atmospheric CO2
concentration, there are negative feedbacks involved which will guarantee a
new equilibrium temperature. Claims to the contrary beg the question of why
Earth's surface temperature has not "run away" in the presence of so much
"positive feedback" from water vapor.

"charliew2" wrote:
"Eric Swanson" wrote:
snip
Thus, increasing CO2 will warm the planet, which then
increases the water vapor content, which further increases temeprature.
It's called positive feedback...

don't take the simple minded approach on this one. You are once again
alluding to the "positive feedback, we're all going to boil" scenario.

Positive feedback is part of many systems, including the climate
system, so calling it a "scenario" isn't accurate. Positive feedback
means that the result is larger, not that the result is a "runaway
process". Stability results for all real positive feedbacks less than
plus one, remember?


--
Phil Hays
Phil-hays at posting domain should work for email

"Phil Hays" wrote in message
...
"charliew2" wrote:
"Eric Swanson" wrote:
snip
Thus, increasing CO2 will warm the planet, which then
increases the water vapor content, which further increases temeprature.
It's called positive feedback...

don't take the simple minded approach on this one. You are once again
alluding to the "positive feedback, we're all going to boil" scenario.

Positive feedback is part of many systems, including the climate
system, so calling it a "scenario" isn't accurate. Positive feedback
means that the result is larger, not that the result is a "runaway
process". Stability results for all real positive feedbacks less than
plus one, remember?

(cut of sig file)

Of course I remember. I also note that positive feedback is so common in
nature that there is no special significance to it, unless it is equal to or
greater than "plus one". Claiming that positive feedback is reason for
alarm is BS.