One of the principle benefits of the tidal hypothesis is that researchers can compare the timing of specific historical events with predicted times of warming or cooling to see whether they coincide or not. If we are correct, then the 1,800-year tidal cycle will be important in understanding future climates as well as events of the past. |
One such episode of cooling during the period 1940-1975, when tidal forcing was stronger, may have temporarily masked the appearance of the greenhouse effect in global temperatures, and contributed to the controversy of whether greenhouse warming was occurring at all. |
The greenhouse effect is probably the best known of those factors influencing climate, but up to now any role played by tidal mixing of the surface ocean has not been included in future scenarios. The greenhouse effect may be the larger of these two effects, but it is important to know how much of future warming might be natural or manmade. |