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Thermodynamic disequilibrium of the atmosphere in the context of global warming

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Abstract

The atmosphere is an example of a non-equilibrium system. This study explores the relationship among temperature, energy and entropy of the atmosphere, introducing two variables that serve to quantify the thermodynamic disequilibrium of the atmosphere. The maximum work, W max , that the atmosphere can perform is defined as the work developed through a thermally reversible and adiabatic approach to thermodynamic equilibrium with global entropy conserved. The maximum entropy increase, \((\Delta S)_{max}\), is defined as the increase in global entropy achieved through a thermally irreversible transition to thermodynamic equilibrium without performing work. W max is identified as an approximately linear function of \((\Delta S)_{max}.\) Large values of W max or \((\Delta S)_{max}\) correspond to states of high thermodynamic disequilibrium. The seasonality and long-term historical variation of W max and \((\Delta S)_{max}\) are computed, indicating highest disequilibrium in July, lowest disequilibrium in January with no statistically significant trend over the past 32 years. The analysis provides a perspective on the interconnections of temperature, energy and entropy for the atmosphere and allows for a quantitative investigation of the deviation of the atmosphere from thermodynamic equilibrium.

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Acknowledgments

The work described here was supported by the National Science Foundation, NSF-AGS-1019134. Junling Huang was also supported by the Harvard Graduate Consortium on Energy and Environment. We acknowledge helpful and constructive comments from Michael J. Aziz and Peter R. Bannon and from the reviewers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA

    Junling Huang & Michael B. McElroy

  2. John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 79 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA

    Junling Huang

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  1. Junling Huang
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  2. Michael B. McElroy
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Correspondence to Junling Huang.

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Huang, J., McElroy, M.B. Thermodynamic disequilibrium of the atmosphere in the context of global warming. Clim Dyn 45, 3513–3525 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-015-2553-x

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