Abstract
THE problem of the relations between sun-spots and other solar phenomena and weather has engaged the attention of men of science for many years past. The results of their investigations have not, perhaps, been so satisfactory or conclusive as were at first anticipated, but this, fortunately, has not diminished the enthusiasm of those interested in the solution of the problem. The ordinary public who were attracted by the apparent simplicity and probability of the relations suggested have undoubtedly been disappointed with the results. There has hence been a tendency for some time past to depreciate investigation in this field of science. On the other hand, the experience of the recent droughts and famines in India, Australia, and South Africa has directed attention strongly to the probable relation between variations of solar activity and the larger variations of rainfall over the earth's surface. The aqueous vapour precipitated as rain over large land areas such as India is produced by evaporation over distant oceanic areas, and is thence carried to the areas of discharge by the larger atmospheric currents. These actions are the direct results of the conversion of solar energy, and any large variation in the supply of that energy must be accompanied with, and followed by, corresponding changes in the amount of evaporation and atmospheric movement, and hence, also, of amount and distribution of rain. The determination of the relations thus indicated is not merely of value from the scientific standpoint, but has important practical bearings, as it may lead to a satisfactory method of long-period weather forecasting—a question which is largely engaging the attention of meteorologists at the present time.
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Solar and Terrestrial Changes . Nature 72, 249–250 (1905). https://doi.org/10.1038/072249a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/072249a0