Tree study data supports computer models of climate change

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jul/21/tree-study-finishing/

Tree study data supports computer models of climate change

By Frank Munger
Posted July 21, 2009 at midnight

OAK RIDGE - For the past 12 years, Rich Norby and fellow researchers have conducted experiments at an Oak Ridge forest to better understand the impact of climate conditions that await us decades from now.

Thousands of tons of carbon dioxide - about 8 tons each day - have been pumped into the stands of sweetgum trees to simulate an environment rich with greenhouse gases.

…

No, the researchers haven't solved the issue of global climate change. Hardly. Some findings, in fact, seem to contradict each other or even reverse themselves over time. For instance, in the first six years of the project, the scientists reported a consistent increase in the forest productivity, which seemed to indicate that the elevated carbon dioxide - perhaps in concert with other factors - was ratcheting up the growth.

In recent years, however, that response to CO2 has declined or even disappeared, based on available growth data, Norby said.

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[Botany]

1. thanx for posting

n/t

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. You're welcome

It's always good to know that "computer models" reflect "reality." (Even if the "computer models" tell us something unpleasant.)

It's kind of unfortunate (in my opinion) that this study is being shut down…