Orbitally-Induced Variations in the Diurnal Cycle of Radiation

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Interpretation of the climatic impact of variations in the earth's orbital mechanisms has progressed in recent decades to the point where individual mid-monthly caloric insolation totals are now available. Each refinement of these insolation variations has produced new insights into the influence of the earth's orbital mechanisms on the climate of the planet. This is important because disagreement exists about the ability of the current Milankovitch orbital theory of climatic change to explain conflicting signals found in certain climate proxy records. The problems associated with this theory can be evaluated and possibly resolved through further refinements in the orbital influence down to the diurnal level. This study continues that process of refinement by defining the variations in the diurnal (daily) cycle of specific mid-monthly insolation totals by means of a computer simulation model. The results should help to resolve past discrepancies in the paleoclimatic proxy data record. By expanding previous Milankovitch insolation studies to the diurnal scale, this project opens new avenues of investigation and suggests the need for re-examination of previous studies of climatic change. In particular, a more precise record can be established regarding the termination of glacial periods, the occurrence of paleomonsoon events, and the fluctuations in sea- level rise.