Comments on the "Proof of the atmospheric greenhouse effect" by Arthur P. Smith, arXiv:0802.4324

TL;DR

This paper critiques Smith's 2008 analysis of the greenhouse effect, highlighting flawed averaging methods and ineffective rebuttals to prior criticisms, thereby questioning the validity of Smith's conclusions.

Contribution

It identifies and explains the inappropriate averaging techniques used by Smith and evaluates his rebuttal to previous greenhouse effect criticisms.

Findings

Smith's averaging methods are inconsistent and awkward.

Smith's attempt to refute prior criticisms is ineffective.

The paper questions the validity of Smith's conclusions.

Abstract

In this paper it is shown that Smith (2008) used inappropriate and inconsistent formulations in averaging various quantities over the entire surface of the Earth considered as a sphere. Using two instances of averaging procedures as customarily applied in studies on turbulence, it is shown that Smith's formulations are highly awkward. Furthermore, Smith's discussion of the infrared absorption in the atmosphere is scrutinized and evaluated. It is shown that his attempt to refute the criticism of Gerlich and Tscheuschner (2007, 2009) on the so-called greenhouse effect is rather fruitless.