Climate Change Chapter UNR1601

Questions and Answers

What does climate variability refer to?

Variations in the mean state and other statistics of the climate on all temporal and spatial scales beyond that of individual weather events.

What is climate change?

A change in the pattern of weather and related changes in oceans, land surfaces, and ice sheets that occur over time scales of decades or longer.

Earth's stored energy = Energy the earth receives from the Sun - Energy the earth ____ to space.

releases

Which gases contribute to the greenhouse effect?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What does climate forcing refer to?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are classified as internal climate forcing processes? (Select all that apply)

Volcanic eruptions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of oceans in climate forcing?

Oceans are a key source of moisture and store heat efficiently, redistributing it, and they also consume large amounts of carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

Climate records show a warming trend since 1850.

True Signup and view all the answers

What evidence shows that sea levels are rising?

Observations indicate an average sea level rise of about 16 cm since the late 19th century. Signup and view all the answers

What are some consequences of climate change? (Select all that apply)

Acidification of seawater Signup and view all the answers

Measurements of atmospheric CO2 show a steady annual increase since _____.

1958 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Climate Variability

Refers to variations in the average state and statistics of the climate over time, beyond individual weather events.
Variability can be attributed to natural internal processes (internal variability) or changes due to natural or human external forces (external variability).

Climate Change Defined

Involves alterations in weather patterns and related changes in oceans, land surfaces, and ice sheets, manifesting locally, regionally, or globally over decades or longer.

Energy Balance

Earth's temperature is influenced by the balance between energy received from the Sun and energy released to space.
Formula: Earth's stored energy = Solar energy received - Energy released to space.

Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse gases (water vapor, CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide) absorb and re-radiate heat, warming the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.
Increased greenhouse gas concentrations enhance the warming effect.

Climate Forcing

Any activities affecting the global energy balance (GEP) that lead to climate change are termed climate forcing processes.
Classified into:
- Internal Climate Forcing Processes: Operate from within the Earth.
- External Climate Forcing Processes: Originate outside the Earth.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Internal factors include oceans, continental drift, atmosphere, water cycle, clouds, ice and snow, land surfaces, volcanic eruptions, and human activity.
External factors primarily involve solar energy variation and Earth's orbital changes.

Internal Climate Forcing Processes

Oceans: Key role in moisture regulation and heat storage/redistribution; significant carbon dioxide absorption.
Continental Drift: Slow movement impacts climate by altering landmass positions and ocean currents.
Atmosphere: Stores heat from solar energy; greenhouse gases and aerosols significantly influence climate regulation.
Water Cycle: Increases in temperature elevate evaporation and ice melting, with water vapor being a potent greenhouse gas.
Clouds: Reflect solar energy and trap heat; their variability can significantly influence climate patterns.
Ice and Snow: Reflect heat, cooling the earth; ice melting contributes to heat absorption by oceans.
Land Surfaces: Affects precipitation and heat absorption; deforestation can transform carbon sinks into greenhouse gas sources.
Volcanic Eruptions: Release aerosols and gases that can lead to cooling by reflecting sunlight.
Anthropogenic Factors: Include greenhouse gas emissions from activities like coal mining and deforestation.

Evidence of Climate Change

Global average temperatures show a sustained warming trend, with significant data from land and ocean measurements since 1850.
Arctic sea ice extent and June snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere have dramatically decreased.
Average sea levels have risen approximately 16 cm since the late 19th century, with recent rates at about 3.6 mm per year.
Atmospheric CO2 concentrations measured at remote sites have steadily risen since 1958, reflecting human influence.
Paleoclimatology data extends climatic records back millions of years through various natural sources.
Ocean acidification observed with increased atmospheric CO2 correlating with decreasing seawater pH.

Consequences of Climate Change

Impact on glaciers, ice sheets, and sea levels.
Increases in heavy rainfall and extreme droughts worldwide.
Decline in crop productivity and changes in ecosystems.
Rising temperatures and ocean acidification.
Increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes.

Description

This quiz covers the key concepts of climate change and its impact on water management as discussed in chapter UNR1601. Students will explore various aspects of climate variability and its importance in understanding environmental changes. Prepare to test your knowledge on the essential principles related to climate change!