two moons, version 2

[Immortal298]

if a planet had two moons, how wud that affect the weather?  i posted this question before and was told that it wud depend on certain things so i've answered them and am reposting the question.  the planet is the same size as earth, the moons are each the same size as our moon, the same orbital distance, the same distance from the sun.  in fact, everything is just like us, except that there are two of them.  they are right next to each other.  very crude diagram at this address:  http://groups.msn.com/CritterCritiques/thecastampcrew.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=2

so assuming all that... how wud the two moons affect weather and climate and what have you?

[Clanad]

If I may offer an opinion, some other factors could be considered as well as  the ones mentioned by Eddie51...

Physically, the appearance of the Earth would probably not be much different. However, tidal forces act in the Earth's crust as well as in the oceans.  Some have suggested that these tidal forces may have a role in triggering earthquakes and other phenomena.  The effects of Earth tides on geologic processes are not well understood, but their overall influence is probably minor in comparison to tectonic forces.  The difference in tidal  range would probably have an influence on the sedimentary rock record as well.  Biologically, the effects would be much greater.  Tidal ecosystems would be drastically affected.  Any animals whose mating behavior is linked to the lunar cycle (such as the human menstrual cycle) would be affected.  There would probably be some effect on the behavior of nocturnal creatures in general.
In addition, it is possible that the Moon may have intercepted or gravitationally deflected some small percentage of asteroids and comets that otherwise would have hit the Earth.  Having two moons of  might result in a lower number of impacts on the Earth over the course of geologic time.  Since these impacts are suspected as causes of mass extinctions, a change in their frequency and timing could have had a drastic influence on the development of all life on Earth. In my humble opinion...

[Immortal298]

thanks guys.  i was asking for my novel, and i like the idea about earthquakes and volcanoes.  not sure that the extinction thing really applies though.  thanks for your thoughts.  i had to read them both several times to understand them, but then i;m more creative than scientific.

[mycatis]

Immortal298  not to be pushy or anything but can I sign up for your group please? If not then that's ok, I wont be highly offended or anything :)

[Immortal298]

what group, mycatis?

[mycatis]

The "CritterCritique" one

[Immortal298]

of course u can mycatis.  just email me at [email protected] and gimme ur details.  can i ask how u found out about it?

[mycatis]

from the link in your question, silly lol

[Immortal298]

of course!  doh!