21 replies to this topic

[Alan Robinson]

I'd like to know what Simon Shama thinks of the climate debate. His excellent BBC series about the history of Britain begins at a prehistoric settlement in the Orkney Islands, I think the spot is called Skara Brae. The excavation revealed ancient rubbish tips containing among other things fish bones. He didn't mention the species, but I think it is a kind of wrasse, which I gather is nowadays not found further north than Cornwall . His point is that the Orkneys in those days was far warmer than it is now.

Otherwise I have read a theory that the North York Moors everywhere became covered with willow and juniper as the last ice age receded, which in turn gave way to a dense hardwood forest. The claim is that ancient peoples and then the monastries cut down all the forest, leaving the land to become the expanse of heather we see today. For my part, I don't believe these forests covered the entire area, because for example the west side of Blue Man i'th Moss - that is White Moor - is very boggy peat, while just to the east leading down into Wheeldale, the ground is everywhere sedimentary rock with no sign of peat at all. And anyway, around the moors there are hundreds of howes (barrows, tumuli) all situated on the brow or summit of elevated land. These were supposed to be prominent in the landscape to remind people of their rulers, and to act as landmarks. So why would anyone build Wheeldale Howe in the middle of a dense forest? It makes no sense, unless as I think, the forest didn't cover the whole area.

[Phil UK]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all members on NetWeather.

Something, as doing my research over the Christmas period (apart from a rapid flu cure!) and wondering why. Someone seems to agree with my own thesis.

http://wattsupwithth...ear-in-history/

Apart from "Warmest" as opposed to illiterate way of spelling (Warmist!). This does make for some sense. Agree or debunk it?

2009/2010 has/have so far been one of the coldest and snowiest Winters I've ever known. From memory, only 1978/79 and1981/82 came close. (In Birmingham / Solihull anyway!)

Otherwise, this 'Green Tax' issue is all hocus pocus (I'd choose a better word but I'd be banned for doing so! :-D )


Phil.