Yes, climate and weather are independent of one another. This, of course, is why the Caribbean gets frequent snow storms for no apparent reason. It is also why I usually put my ice trays in the stove when I want to make ice. Because, of course everyone knows that when things heat up, water freezes.
Now, does anyone remember their geology classes? Anyone remember the Mesozoic Era? It spans roughly 160 million years, and is divided into three periods: the Triasic, Jurasic, and Cretaceous Periods.
Does anyone remember what is unique about this era? Yes, it was the era of the dinosaurs, when Earth supported some of the largest species in its entire history. Anyone know why dinosaurs flourished and grew to such prodigious size? Because this is also the period in Earth's history when temperatures were at their highest - no polar ice caps at all throughout most of this era. Because of the warm temperatures, Earth supported some of the most verdant growth of its history as well, providing ample fodder for massive herbivores which then provided ample prey for massive carnivores. Nifty huh?
Hence, my skepticism of some of the ridiculously dire predictions that accompany the global warming cultists. None of them can explain why two growing seasons all the way up the middle latitudes is a terrible thing. Nor can they explain why an overabundance of water caused by melting ice caps would result in massive stretches of desert conditions. Kind of like they can't explain why rising temperatures results in bitterly cold winters. Oh wait, I know, because climate does not affect the weather. Better tell the Jamaicans to bundle up for the next snow storm.
Originally Posted by SinsOfTheFlesh
First paragraph; your sarcasm reveals a level of misunderstanding. The Caribbean gets no snow because of it's position relative to the equator. The hydrologic cycle (water cycle) is completed when the precipitation falls back to earth. The air over the Caribbean is usually warm, making snow impossible. And so it falls as rain. That's basic stuff that you learn in third grade. Seriously.
Second part; the temps were not at their highest during the mesozoic, not even close. Was it warm? Yes, but far from this statement you made, 'this is also the period in Earth's history when temperatures were at their highest.'
The mesozoic era you mention, was roughly 185 million years or so, containing within it three periods. To imply, as you did, that the entire era was the same is just disingenuous. The very first period, Triassic, began with an extinction event and ended with an extinction even, for example. There were periods of warming and cooling. No, they have no evidence of polar ice caps, but the fluctuation in temps could still allow for them. In other words, they are not statistically impossible.
As for climate affecting weather, that's again, ignorant. The only difference between the two is time. Weather is the shorter time period. Climate is weather over a LONG period of time. So it's not really a matter of one affecting the other. They are entwined.
Why do rising temps result in bitter cold winters? I really shouldn't have to explain this to someone who wants so badly to come off as intelligent, but here goes. Bitter cold winters where? In small pockets of the globe, here and there. Climate change is a global issue. A cold winter here and there doesn't disprove overall warming of the entire planet.
Originally Posted by IIFFOFRDB
