Climate Science Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a consequence of climate change related to sea levels?

  • Increase in freshwater lakes
  • Sea level change (correct)
  • Expansion of polar ice caps
  • Decrease in global temperatures

    • Volcanic eruptions cause a warming effect by emitting large volumes of sulphur dioxide.

    False

    What greenhouse gas is released when tropical forests are cleared for cattle ranching?

    methane

    The global average sea level has risen by about _____ cm since the late 19th century.

    <p>16</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following climatic impacts with their descriptions:

    <p>Glaciers and ice sheets = Increased melting due to rising temperatures Heavy rainfall = Increased frequency and intensity of storms Extreme drought = Prolonged periods of little to no rainfall Acidification of seawater = Decreased pH levels in ocean water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does climate variability refer to?

    <p>Variations in the mean state and other statistics of climate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Climate change only occurs over short time scales.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the temperature of the Earth?

    <p>The balance of energy entering and leaving the Earth-atmosphere system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of greenhouse gases absorbing heat energy is known as the __________.

    <p>greenhouse effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following climate forcing processes with their classification:

    <p>Greenhouse gas emissions = External Climate Forcing Processes Solar radiation variation = Internal Climate Forcing Processes Volcanic eruptions = Internal Climate Forcing Processes Deforestation = External Climate Forcing Processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is classified as an external climate forcing process?

    <p>Solar radiation variation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Climate forcing processes can only result from human activities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere?

    <p>It enhances the greenhouse effect, making the Earth's surface warmer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an internal climate forcing process?

    <p>Continental Drift</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The atmosphere plays a role in regulating the earth's climate by storing heat and energy.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of oceans in climate regulation?

    <p>Oceans store heat, transport it, and provide moisture to the atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The most potent greenhouse gas is ______.

    <p>water vapor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is NOT true about clouds?

    <p>Clouds only reflect solar energy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Higher air temperatures can increase water ______ and melting of ice.

    <p>evaporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following internal climate forcing processes with their effects:

    <p>Oceans = Store heat and provide atmospheric moisture Continental Drift = Change physical features of landmasses Water Cycle = Increase evaporation due to higher temperatures Clouds = Reflect solar energy and trap heat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Volcanic eruptions are classified as an external climate forcing process.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Climate Variability

    • Climate variability describes changes in the average state and other statistics, like extreme weather events, of the climate. These changes occur over various temporal and spatial scales greater than individual weather events.
    • Variability can result from internal processes within the climate system (internal variability) or changes in natural or human-induced external factors (external variability).

    What is Climate Change?

    • Climate change is a shift in the pattern of weather, including changes in oceans, land surfaces, and ice sheets. These changes define Earth's local, regional, and global climates over decades or more.

    Energy Balance

    • Earth's temperature is regulated by a balance between incoming solar energy and outgoing energy.
    • Global Energy Balance (GEB) considers Earth's stored energy: incoming solar energy versus energy released back into space.

    The Greenhouse Effect

    • Greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, which warms Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.
    • Adding more greenhouse gases intensifies this effect, leading to a warmer planet.

    Climate Forcing

    • Climate forcing refers to any process influencing Earth's stored energy, either increasing or decreasing it. This leads to climate change.
    • These forces can be external (e.g., variations in solar energy) or internal (e.g., ocean currents). A climate forcing can cause an imbalance in energy at the top of Earth's atmosphere, either due to external factors (e.g., natural changes in the sun's energy) or to human activities.

    Climate Forcing Processes

    • Internal climate processes operate within Earth (e.g., ocean currents, atmospheric circulations, water cycle)
    • External climate processes operate from outside Earth (e.g., changes in solar energy, Earth's orbit)

    Climate Change

    • Climate change encompasses both natural (e.g., variations in solar energy, volcanic eruptions) and human-induced (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions) climate forcing processes.

    External Climate Forcing Processes

    • Variations in solar energy received from the sun.
    • Changes in Earth's orbit around the sun.

    Internal Climate Forcing Processes

    • Oceans (influence moisture, heat distribution, CO2 absorption).
    • Continental Drift (changing landmasses, ocean currents, wind patterns).
    • Atmosphere (greenhouse gases, aerosols, temperature regulation).
    • Water Cycle (evaporation, precipitation, temperature).
    • Clouds (reflecting sunlight, trapping heat).
    • Ice and Snow (reflecting heat, melting and sea levels).
    • Land Surfaces (affecting cloud cover, water runoff, greenhouse gas exchange).
    • Volcanic Eruptions (releasing particles, cooling the planet).
    • Human Causes (anthropogenic activities influencing atmospheric composition and energy transfer).

    Evidence of Climate Change

    • Average global sea levels have risen approximately 16 cm since the late 19th century.
    • Sea level rise is now accelerating, with estimates ranging from the last decade centred around 3.6 mm per year.
    • Sea level uncertainty has decreased with more data collecting points.

    Consequences of Climate Change

    • Melting glaciers and ice sheets.
    • Rising sea levels.
    • Increased frequency of extreme weather events: heavy rainfall, drought, hurricanes.
    • Decline in crop productivity.
    • Ecosystem changes.
    • Increased global temperatures
    • Acidification of seawater.

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    Lecture 03 - Climate Change PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores key concepts of climate science, including climate variability, climate change, energy balance, and the greenhouse effect. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact to shape Earth's climate system.

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