Unit 2: Global Climate Change

energy flow = mass x specific heat x temperature change

specific heat = energy flow/(mass x change in temp)

Eccentricity, Axial Tilt, Precession

The shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun - reduces/increases amount of radiation

Earth's farthest point from the sun

Earth's closest point to the Sun

Least elliptic (most circular), Medium tilt, Pointing at north star

The inclination of the Earth's axis in relation to its plane of orbit around the Sun - Seasons

The Earth's slow wobble as it spins on its axis - seasonal contrasts

Incoming Solar Radiation - Energy from the Sun that interacts with our atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere - mostly in the form of visible light

1. Sun Angle

2. Air Mass

3. Day Length

4. Cloud Coverage

5. Pollution Levels

A measure of the solar energy striking a specified area over a set period of time

1. The angle of insolation

2. The duration of insolation

3. The nature of Earth's surface

4. Change of phase and photosynthesis

At the equator (0 degrees) the sun hits directly and at the poles it comes in at an angle.

Changes in the amount of solar radiation and changes in the characteristics of the atmosphere

1. Milankovitch Cycles

2. Variations in solar energy sunspots

3. Changes in Atmospheric Albedo

4. Carbon Cycle

Huge magnetic storms on the Sun's surface which release increased solar radiation to Earth

The reflection of insolation

Volcanoes, wildfires (ash & soot reflect)

Less insolation reaching Earth Lower temperature Current infrared trapped in atmosphere?

1. Carbon Dioxide released (volcano)

2. CO2 stays in atmosphere until washed out of atmosphere by rain (forms Carbonic Acid)

3. Acid rain dissolves rocks forming calcium carbonate in solution

4. Calcium Carbonate goes into rivers and then the sea

5. Calcium Carbonate removed from water by coral and other sea organisms

6. Coral dies and falls to the sea bed (forms Limestone)

7. Limestone moved to a destructive plate boundary and pushed into a subduction zone

8. Carbon Dioxide released (volcano)

1. Producers store carbon from atmosphere through photosynthesis

2. Plants die and decompose, releasing carbon into the atmosphere

3. Consumers break down carbon molecules

4. Consumers release water vapor and CO2 into atmosphere as waste products through respiration

Plants produce the oxygen consumers breathe in

Infrared is absorbed by Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Water Vapor (warms atmosphere)

Atmosphere allows sunlight to reach Earth's surface but prevents the heat from escaping back into space

Keeps our planet warm (we survive) - INCREASE is the issue

The surface absorbs shortwave insolation and reradiates infrared!

1. Raising more cattle (methane)

2. Increased combustion of fossil fuels (carbon dioxide and water vapor)

3. Other gases

An increase in Earth's temperature due to an increase in greenhouse gases

1. Combustion of fossil fuels (CO2)

2. Livestock Production (Methane)

Ice caps/glaciers melting Sea levels rise (melting and thermal expansion) More severe storms Change in climate patterns Deforestation Increased wildfires Increase in # and strength of hurricanes (warmer water) Ocean Acidification (taking in CO2 changes ocean ph which affects ocean wildlife)

1. Sunspots

2. Milankovitch Cycles

3. Volcanic Activity