Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why is the energy emitted by the sun classified as short-wave radiation?
Why is the energy emitted by the sun classified as short-wave radiation?
- Because the sun has a small surface area.
- Because the Earth's atmosphere filters out longer wavelengths.
- Because the sun's surface is extremely hot. (correct)
- Because the sun's energy is primarily in the infrared spectrum.
Which factor most significantly affects the amount of solar radiation reflected by a particular area on Earth?
Which factor most significantly affects the amount of solar radiation reflected by a particular area on Earth?
- The average wind speed.
- The atmospheric pressure at that location.
- The concentration of greenhouse gases.
- The type of surface material present. (correct)
Approximately what percentage of incoming solar radiation (insolation) is absorbed directly by the Earth's surface?
Approximately what percentage of incoming solar radiation (insolation) is absorbed directly by the Earth's surface?
- 19%
- 47% (correct)
- 66%
- 90%
How do clouds primarily interact with incoming solar radiation?
How do clouds primarily interact with incoming solar radiation?
What type of radiation do cooler bodies, like the Earth, primarily emit?
What type of radiation do cooler bodies, like the Earth, primarily emit?
If the Earth's albedo were to significantly increase, what would be the most likely immediate consequence?
If the Earth's albedo were to significantly increase, what would be the most likely immediate consequence?
Why do light, shiny surfaces like snow and ice have a high albedo?
Why do light, shiny surfaces like snow and ice have a high albedo?
Water and snow have a high albedo when the sun's angle is low. Under what condition does this albedo significantly decrease?
Water and snow have a high albedo when the sun's angle is low. Under what condition does this albedo significantly decrease?
Why is providing an average figure for water vapor in the atmosphere considered meaningless?
Why is providing an average figure for water vapor in the atmosphere considered meaningless?
Which process does NOT contribute to the formation of water vapor?
Which process does NOT contribute to the formation of water vapor?
How does the concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere compare to other gases?
How does the concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere compare to other gases?
What is the typical range of water vapor concentration in the atmosphere?
What is the typical range of water vapor concentration in the atmosphere?
The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon through the environment. How do plants participate in this cycle?
The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon through the environment. How do plants participate in this cycle?
What happens to the carbon stored in plants when they die?
What happens to the carbon stored in plants when they die?
How have improved conditions for plant growth affected the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide?
How have improved conditions for plant growth affected the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide?
How do human activities generally impact the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
How do human activities generally impact the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Based on the provided graph, which period shows the most significant increase in global temperature anomaly?
Based on the provided graph, which period shows the most significant increase in global temperature anomaly?
What is the baseline period used for calculating global temperature anomaly in the graph?
What is the baseline period used for calculating global temperature anomaly in the graph?
Which of the following best describes the role of carbon dioxide in the environment?
Which of the following best describes the role of carbon dioxide in the environment?
What is a primary conclusion drawn by most geographers regarding the cause of observed warming?
What is a primary conclusion drawn by most geographers regarding the cause of observed warming?
Which organization is identified as synthesizing global datasets related to climate?
Which organization is identified as synthesizing global datasets related to climate?
How does the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) define Global Warming Potential (GWP), and what does a high GWP indicate?
How does the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) define Global Warming Potential (GWP), and what does a high GWP indicate?
What is the relationship between global industrial output and greenhouse gas emissions, as suggested by the text?
What is the relationship between global industrial output and greenhouse gas emissions, as suggested by the text?
Based on the information provided, which of the following is a key distinction between carbon dioxide and gases like HFC-134a or CFC-11?
Based on the information provided, which of the following is a key distinction between carbon dioxide and gases like HFC-134a or CFC-11?
Why is it challenging to calculate the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of water vapor, despite its significant contribution to the Earth's greenhouse effect?
Why is it challenging to calculate the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of water vapor, despite its significant contribution to the Earth's greenhouse effect?
Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a source of data for understanding global temperature changes?
Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a source of data for understanding global temperature changes?
Which of the following human activities contributes to an increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide?
Which of the following human activities contributes to an increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide?
If the trend shown in the graph from 2000-2020 were to continue linearly for the next two decades, what could be a potential implication?
If the trend shown in the graph from 2000-2020 were to continue linearly for the next two decades, what could be a potential implication?
The text mentions that the trend of global temperatures is based on synthesised information. What does this synthesis likely involve?
The text mentions that the trend of global temperatures is based on synthesised information. What does this synthesis likely involve?
Considering the information provided, how do natural processes contribute to the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Considering the information provided, how do natural processes contribute to the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Based on the text, how does the role of carbon dioxide differ from that of methane in the environment?
Based on the text, how does the role of carbon dioxide differ from that of methane in the environment?
How do the IPCC's Global Warming Potential (GWP) estimates evolve, and what implications does this have for climate change mitigation strategies?
How do the IPCC's Global Warming Potential (GWP) estimates evolve, and what implications does this have for climate change mitigation strategies?
Which of the following best describes the role of positive feedback loops in the context of climate change induced by increased atmospheric methane?
Which of the following best describes the role of positive feedback loops in the context of climate change induced by increased atmospheric methane?
How does increased precipitation, falling as snow, potentially act as a negative feedback loop in response to rising global temperatures?
How does increased precipitation, falling as snow, potentially act as a negative feedback loop in response to rising global temperatures?
In a climate system with both positive and negative feedback loops, what determines whether temperatures will stabilize or accelerate?
In a climate system with both positive and negative feedback loops, what determines whether temperatures will stabilize or accelerate?
Which of the following is an example of an activity that directly contributes to an increase in atmospheric methane concentration?
Which of the following is an example of an activity that directly contributes to an increase in atmospheric methane concentration?
How do clouds contribute to both positive and negative feedback loops in the climate system?
How do clouds contribute to both positive and negative feedback loops in the climate system?
Under what circumstances would the greenhouse effect be minimized, leading to relatively stable temperatures?
Under what circumstances would the greenhouse effect be minimized, leading to relatively stable temperatures?
A region experiences increased atmospheric methane leading to initial warming. Simultaneously, cloud cover increases significantly. What overall effect would this have on local temperatures?
A region experiences increased atmospheric methane leading to initial warming. Simultaneously, cloud cover increases significantly. What overall effect would this have on local temperatures?
Which statement regarding climate change feedback loops is most accurate?
Which statement regarding climate change feedback loops is most accurate?
How does increased humidity contribute to a positive feedback loop that amplifies the impact of rising methane concentrations?
How does increased humidity contribute to a positive feedback loop that amplifies the impact of rising methane concentrations?
Why does increased cloud cover create a positive feedback loop in the context of global warming?
Why does increased cloud cover create a positive feedback loop in the context of global warming?
If the albedo of an area near the North Pole decreases due to climate change, how would this trigger a feedback loop?
If the albedo of an area near the North Pole decreases due to climate change, how would this trigger a feedback loop?
Why would the albedo feedback loop, observed near the North and South Poles, also be found in high mountainous areas?
Why would the albedo feedback loop, observed near the North and South Poles, also be found in high mountainous areas?
What defines an 'amplifying feedback loop' in the context of climate change?
What defines an 'amplifying feedback loop' in the context of climate change?
Which of the following is an example of an amplifying feedback loop on Earth that does not rely on changes to snow or ice cover?
Which of the following is an example of an amplifying feedback loop on Earth that does not rely on changes to snow or ice cover?
What is the 'enhanced greenhouse effect'?
What is the 'enhanced greenhouse effect'?
What primarily defines a 'greenhouse gas'?
What primarily defines a 'greenhouse gas'?
Flashcards
Source of Earth's Energy
Source of Earth's Energy
The total energy budget of Earth is dependent on energy from the sun.
Insolation
Insolation
Incoming solar radiation, arriving as short-wave radiation.
Short-wave Radiation
Short-wave Radiation
Radiation with a wavelength of 0.39 to 0.76 μm (micrometres), mainly visible light.
Long-wave Radiation
Long-wave Radiation
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Albedo
Albedo
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High Albedo Surfaces
High Albedo Surfaces
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Low Albedo Surfaces
Low Albedo Surfaces
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Atmospheric Absorption
Atmospheric Absorption
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Greenhouse Gas
Greenhouse Gas
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Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
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Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
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Methane (CH4)
Methane (CH4)
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HFCs and CFCs
HFCs and CFCs
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IPCC
IPCC
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Deforestation
Deforestation
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Water Vapor
Water Vapor
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Feedback Loop
Feedback Loop
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Water Vapor as a Greenhouse Gas
Water Vapor as a Greenhouse Gas
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Positive Feedback Loop
Positive Feedback Loop
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Negative Feedback Loop
Negative Feedback Loop
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Fluctuations in Atmospheric Water Vapor
Fluctuations in Atmospheric Water Vapor
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Methane Feedback System
Methane Feedback System
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Carbon Cycle
Carbon Cycle
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Greenhouse Gases Feedback
Greenhouse Gases Feedback
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Plants and Carbon Dioxide
Plants and Carbon Dioxide
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Clouds as Negative Feedback
Clouds as Negative Feedback
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Decomposition and Carbon Dioxide
Decomposition and Carbon Dioxide
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Human Impact on Carbon Dioxide Levels
Human Impact on Carbon Dioxide Levels
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Snow/Ice Albedo Feedback
Snow/Ice Albedo Feedback
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Positive Feedback Dominance
Positive Feedback Dominance
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Impact of Increased Carbon Dioxide on Plant Growth
Impact of Increased Carbon Dioxide on Plant Growth
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Global dimming
Global dimming
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Volcanic eruptions' role in global dimming
Volcanic eruptions' role in global dimming
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Amplifying feedback loop
Amplifying feedback loop
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Enhanced greenhouse effect
Enhanced greenhouse effect
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Water vapor feedback loop
Water vapor feedback loop
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Cloud cover feedback loop
Cloud cover feedback loop
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Global temperature anomaly
Global temperature anomaly
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Pre-industrial era
Pre-industrial era
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Anthropogenic emissions
Anthropogenic emissions
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Methane gas
Methane gas
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Support a position.
Support a position.
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Correlation of temperature and industry
Correlation of temperature and industry
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World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
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Study Notes
The Global Heat Budget and Atmospheric Circulation
- All atmospheric and life processes on Earth rely on the sun's energy
- The surface area of the sun is 65 million billion square meters
- Each square meter emits enough energy to power one million light bulbs
- Insolation, or incoming solar radiation, arrives as short-wave radiation
- Short-wave radiation is visible light at 0.39 to 0.76 μm wavelength, from the 5,300°C sun
- Cooler bodies like the moon and Earth emit long-wave radiation, mainly infrared heat at 4 to 30 μm
- While clouds cover half of the sky, they poorly absorb solar energy
- 19% of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by atmosphere dust and gases, especially water vapor
- 47% of insolation is absorbed by Earth's surface
- A small amount of radiation is reflected back into space
- Lighter surfaces like snow and ice have higher reflectivity, or albedo, than darker surfaces like soil or forests
Heat Distribution
- The amount of heat absorbed changes based on latitude
- Polar areas have less absorbed energy compared to equatorial regions
- The sun's rays strike the earth at a lower angle at the poles
- Solar energy is spread over a larger area in polar areas, meaning less heat per square meter
- Rays penetrate a greater thickness of atmosphere at the poles
- Dust and gases absorb more heat and light, resulting in less radiation reaching the surface
- Shiny white ice and snow at poles have higher albedo than water and vegetation in equatorial zones
- Snow and ice reflect roughly 80% of solar energy; grass and trees absorb 65-85%
- Any surface becomes shinier when struck by light at a low angle
- Wavelength becomes longer when radiation is reflected causing the radiation to shift towards the infrared end of the spectrum
- The atmosphere's gases better absorb, and thus retain, energy emitted by Earth's surface than short-wave radiation from the sun
The Heat Budget
- Received and lost energy at different latitudes is examined to understand the heat budget
- Total incoming energy (curve I) equals total outgoing energy (curve II)
- A net surplus of energy exists between equation and at latitudes 38°North and South
- Latitudes between 38° North and South and the poles have a net deficit
- Over the history of the planet, the equatorial regions have not continued to heat up, while the polar areas have not kept getting colder
- Complex atmospheric circulation moves heat from the equator (low latitudes) to the poles (high latitudes) which creates the world's pressure systems and winds
- 34% of received solar energy is reflected back into space
- 2% is from the Earth's surface, 7% from atmosphere, 25% from clouds
- Some of the energy is retained within the atmosphere, this is the heat making the earth habitable by retaining warmth through the natural greenhouse effect
- This process maintains atmospheric heat which makes the earth habitable
The Natural Greenhouse Effect
- The natural greenhouse effect occurs as output heat from the atmosphere equals the input
- While some energy is retained for a certain time period
- Without the natural greenhouse effect, the earth would be 33C° cooler
- Record analysis show the constant fluctuation of Earth's Climate, not static or dynamic
- Greenland's climate indicates warmth for 15% of 75,000 years
- Temperatures varied within short periods, with effects on human activities
- The changes are due to natural causes; small human population had insignificant global impact
Natural Climate Changes
- Natural causes include changes the levels of solar activity, impacts of volcanic activity, and variations in Earth's orbit(distances from the sun)
- Natural causes combined with humidity and cloud cover
Human Impact on Climate
- Humans significantly impact earth's climate by polluting and human activities growing
- Global balance is not static which increases the global vulnerability
- Changes between insolation/energy radiated is known as radiative forcing
- Positive forcing warms as incoming solar energy increase or radiation loss to space reduces
- Negative forcing cools as insolation reduces or lost radiation to space increases
- Pressures and processes causing radiative forcing are called forcing agents
- Forcing agents are external, originating away from Earth, with the sun's energy production,Earth's orbit etc
- Internal forcing agents originate within Earth, affecting changes in atmospheric composition, ocean currents, and volcanic activity
Solar Radiation Variations
- The Sun is the star that provides most of the energy on planet earth and resides at the center of the solar system
- Energy emitted is electromagnetic radiation, with a wavelength spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays
- Visible light occurs between infrared/heat and high frequency ultraviolet radiation
Solar Activity and Position
- The sun's energy travels in straight lines(rays) at high speed per second
- It takes eight and a half minutes for the sun to reach earth( about 150 kilometers) As rays spread outward planets farther receive less energy Mean value for solar constant is 1367.7 W/m2 although figure varies slighly Variations arise for several reasons
- Solar evolution with the sun 8% smaller and about 3% less radiant and a different composition
- Changes in Earth's orbit from variations from it regular pattern
- Sunspots, solar maximum and minimum causing emission differences, around 0.2%
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Description
Explore solar radiation, Earth's energy absorption, and albedo effects. Understand short-wave vs long-wave radiation, cloud interactions, and water vapor dynamics in the atmosphere. Learn about the factors influencing reflected solar radiation.
