Spinning the tornado story

http://washingtontimes.com/commentary/20030517-094440- 8543r.htm

Spinning the tornado story By Patrick J. Michaels THE WASHINGTON TIMES Published May 18, 2003

Well, wasn't that an interesting fantasy, a coal industry shill writing in a newspaper owned by the Reverend Moon.

Meanwhile, back in the real world . . . Scientists have reported that climate change has altered the patterns of the midlatitude cyclones that spawn tornados.

Journal of Climate: Vol. 14, No. 12, pp. 2763-2768.

Trends in Northern Hemisphere Surface Cyclone Frequency and Intensity

Gregory J. McCabe

U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado

Martyn P. Clark and Mark C. Serreze

Cryospheric and Polar Processes Division, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

(Manuscript received 27 July 2000, accepted 20 November 2000)

ABSTRACT

One of the hypothesized effects of global warming from increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases is a change in the frequency and/or intensity of extratropical cyclones. In this study, winter frequencies and intensities of extratropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere for the period 1959-97 are examined to determine if identifiable trends are occurring. Results indicate a statistically significant decrease in midlatitude cyclone frequency and a significant increase in high-latitude cyclone frequency. In addition, storm intensity has increased in both the high and midlatitudes. The changes in storm frequency correlate with changes in winter Northern Hemisphere temperature and support hypotheses that global warming may result in a northward shift of storm tracks in the Northern Hemisphere.

What's really funny, Roger, is that the attack by Michaels is against a cartoonist. Wow! Editorial boards of the world unite! Pat Michaels is on the case. You better watch what you say or Mr. Michaels, who wouldn't know a pulse storm from a supercell, will get after you.

Coming from a slack-jawed dullard like you, Allen, that is high praise. When are you and I going to have a nice discussion about the science? I've repeatedly tried to engage you, but every time I do, you run for the hills with your tail tucked between your legs.. Surely someone with your vast experience should be able to back up his assertions with some evidence, or is trolling the best you've got?