Climate Change: Causes, IPCC Findings

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the difference between weather and climate?

Weather patterns occur in the ocean, while climate patterns happen on land.
Weather includes only temperature, while climate includes temperature, precipitation, and humidity.
Weather is long-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is short-term atmospheric conditions.
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, while climate is the average weather conditions over a long period. (correct)

Increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere decreases the greenhouse effect, leading to a cooler atmosphere.

False (B)

Briefly explain how changes in Earth's energy budget can lead to climate change.

An imbalance in Earth's energy budget, where more energy enters than leaves or vice versa, causes the planet to either warm or cool, respectively, leading to climate change.

The transfer of energy through the movement of a fluid, such as air or water, is known as ______.

convection Signup and view all the answers

Match the following factors with their primary influence on incoming solar radiation:

Latitude = Angle of incidence of solar radiation Albedo = Reflection of solar radiation back into space Cloud cover = Scattering and absorption of solar radiation Atmospheric particles = Absorption of solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

How do human activities contribute to changes in the composition of the atmosphere?

By releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane through burning fossil fuels and deforestation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Air pressure increases with altitude in the atmosphere.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the greenhouse effect makes Earth habitable.

The greenhouse effect traps some of the outgoing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, warming the planet to a temperature that supports liquid water and life. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way in which incoming solar energy is distributed upon entering the atmosphere?

Conduction to the Earth's surface (A) Signup and view all the answers

Convection is a process by which energy is released from the Earth’s surface.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Name two processes by which energy is delivered to the Earth's surface.

Radiation and Conduction Signup and view all the answers

Energy exits the Earth system and is transmitted back to space in the form of longwave ___________.

radiation Signup and view all the answers

Why are carbon dioxide molecules able to absorb certain wavelengths of radiation, while nitrogen and oxygen molecules generally do not?

Carbon dioxide has a more complex molecular structure that allows it to vibrate and rotate in ways that absorb infrared radiation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to a cooling effect due to increased reflection of solar radiation back into space.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Name the four thermal layers of the atmosphere, in order from lowest to highest altitude.

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere Signup and view all the answers

Match the atmospheric layer with its temperature characteristic:

Troposphere = Temperature generally decreases with altitude. Stratosphere = Temperature generally increases with altitude due to ozone absorption of UV radiation. Mesosphere = Temperature decreases with altitude; the coldest layer. Thermosphere = Temperature increases dramatically with altitude due to absorption of high-energy solar radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Name four independent lines of evidence that support the IPCC's 2022 assessment report conclusion on climate change.

This would include things like: Rising global temperatures, shrinking ice sheets, ocean acidification, and changes in extreme weather events. Signup and view all the answers

According to the IPCC's Third Assessment Report (2001), how does climate change affect the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events?

Extreme hot weather events become more frequent and more intense, while extreme cold weather events become less frequent and less intense. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Data showing an increase in Arctic sea ice extent over a five-year period definitively proves that global climate change is not occurring.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The energy intensity of a radiation-emitting object is related to its _ and _.

wavelength, temperature Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the spatial variation in average insolation at the top of the atmosphere?

Earth's curvature and axial tilt. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the average amount of solar radiation absorbed at the surface is different from the average insolation at the top of the atmosphere.

The difference is due to atmospheric absorption, reflection, and scattering of incoming solar radiation before it reaches the surface by clouds, aerosols, and gases. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following processes with their impact on Earth's energy budget:

Absorption of solar radiation by the surface = Increases Earth's surface temperature. Reflection of solar radiation by clouds = Decreases the amount of solar energy absorbed by Earth. Emission of infrared radiation by Earth = A process by which Earth loses energy to space. Conduction of latent heat flux = A process of heat transfer from warmer to cooler objects through direct contact. Signup and view all the answers

In Earth's energy budget, all energy absorbed at the surface is immediately re-emitted as infrared radiation.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Climate

Long-term average of weather conditions in a region.

Weather

The condition of the atmosphere at a specific place and time.