Scientists have formed a new theory that suggests land cover, particularly the presence or absence of forests, determines global wind and weather patterns.
It has been traditionally believed that temperature difference is the major driver in atmospheric dynamics, but the new study concluded that condensation and evaporation play a larger role.
The research suggests a greater need for forest conservation as forests have a larger influence on wind patterns and rainfall than previously thought.
David Arthur
n/a
The paper, "Where do winds come from? A new theory on how water vapor
condensation influences atmospheric pressure and dynamics", is at http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/13/1039/2013/
A Google search on its title suggests that in one form or another, the paper's draft has been doing the rounds for some time before publication, in the course of which it has attracted considerable debate.
Rick Fleckner
Student
Er, the 'read more at' link does not go to where it's supposed to.