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Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of achieving climate literacy?
Which of the following best differentiates climate from weather?
What are the four factors of climate literacy?
What is the significance of predictable climate for human systems?
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What does climate change imply in contrast to climate variability?
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What distinguishes climate from weather?
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What is a key characteristic of climate variability?
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What role does predictable climate play for humans?
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Which of the following factors contributes to climate change?
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How does climate change manifest over time?
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What is the prediction related to flooding mentioned for coastal regions?
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Which statement correctly defines climate change?
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Which aspect of climate is expected to remain stable despite climate change?
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Climate change involves changes in long-term ______ averages.
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Year to year changes in the climate of a region are referred to as climate ______.
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Humans depend on predictable climate for effective ______ planning.
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The difference between long-term averages and values at a given time is known as a ______.
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Climate patterns can change naturally over a range of ______ scales.
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With a rise in temperature, many ______ regions will be prone to flooding.
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Climate changes that occur over decades, centuries, or even ______ are part of natural climatic shifts.
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Predictable climate is essential for the reliability of ______ infrastructure.
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Climate is defined as the long-term average of ______ conditions in a specific area.
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The concept of climate ______ refers to variations in climate patterns over time.
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To be climate literate, one must be able to access scientifically credible information about ______.
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Predictable climate is important for human systems as it allows for better ______ and preparedness.
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Communicating effectively about climate and ______ is essential for raising awareness and understanding.
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The long-term average of weather conditions in a specific area is referred to as ______.
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The difference between long-term averages and values at a given time is known as a ______.
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Humans rely on predictable climate for effective ______ planning.
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The concept of climate ______ refers to variations in climate patterns over time.
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To be climate literate, one must be able to access scientifically credible information about ______.
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The long-term average of temperature and humidity is known as ______.
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Year to year changes in a region's climate, such as fluctuations between warmer and cooler, are termed climate ______.
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Predictable climate is crucial for agriculture as it ensures timely ______.
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The difference between long-term averages and specific values at a given time is known as a ______.
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Climate changes can happen naturally over decades, centuries, or even ______.
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Many coastal regions will experience flooding due to rising ______ levels.
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Humans rely on predictable climate for managing ______ systems effectively.
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Climate change involves alterations in long-term ______ averages.
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The increase in ______ concentrations in the atmosphere is a significant contributor to global warming.
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Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have led to increased ______ gas emissions.
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One of the main causes of anthropogenic climate change is the increase in ______ gases from industrial processes.
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Climate system impacts include changes in ocean currents and ______ patterns.
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Observed climate changes include rising global temperatures and increased ______ frequency.
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The melting of polar ice caps is a direct consequence of ______ change.
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Increased ocean temperatures are resulting in more frequent ______ events.
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The release of ______ gases from deforestation significantly impacts climate change.
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Recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in ______.
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The atmosphere and ocean have ______ since the 1950s.
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The amount of ______ and ice has diminished due to climate change.
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Sea level has ______ as a result of global warming.
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Human influence on the climate system is ______.
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Climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and ______ systems.
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Many of the observed changes in the climate system are ______ over decades to millennia.
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The report includes important conclusions based on thousands of scientist research ______.
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The concentration of ______ has increased rapidly about 200 years ago, as evidenced by ice core data.
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Greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4, and ______ have all begun to increase in concentration.
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The influence of human activities on the climate system is described as ______ change.
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Recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are noted to be the ______ in history.
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The correlation between temperature change and CO2 levels suggests a strong relationship, but ______ does not imply causation.
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Observed climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and ______ systems.
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The rate of temperature change observed in recent years is an order of magnitude ______ in the second graph.
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Attributing climate change to human activities is supported by 1000s of scientist ______ studies.
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Quantitative data come from measurements or ______.
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Discovery science is driven by curiosity and makes observations without making ______.
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Hypothesis-based science involves designing an experiment to test a ______.
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Qualitative data is considered ______ data and is often descriptive.
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Hypothesis-based science requires that the hypothesis be ______, meaning it could be disproved.
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Empirical data are based on ______ and experimentation.
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______ science involves observing nature and gathering information without forming hypotheses.
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Hypothesis-based science tests predictions made from a proposed ______.
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Qualitative data is information that is descriptive and often gathered through ______ methods.
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Quantitative data is numerical and can be ______ to analyze results statistically.
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The scientific process attempts to eliminate human ______ during observations.
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Both discovery science and hypothesis-based science are essential ______ methods used in scientific inquiry.
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In scientific research, qualitative data often complement quantitative data by providing ______ insights.
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Good science involves using a large sample ______.
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In hypothesis-based science, researchers begin with a ______.
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Discovery science is primarily based on ______ data collection.
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In scientific research, qualitative data refers to descriptive information rather than ______ data.
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Poor scientific design often involves small sample ______.
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Good science strives to be ______ and avoid biases.
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Repeating experiments helps to confirm that results are ______.
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When analyzing data, scientists must avoid manipulating too many ______.
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Conclusions in scientific studies should be based on all data ______.
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A key principle of good science is to ensure that research is ______ and falsifiable.
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The variable that is manipulated in an experiment is known as the ______ variable.
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The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable is called the ______ variable.
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To avoid bias, researchers often implement ______ techniques where subjects are assigned to different groups randomly.
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A larger ______ size increases the reliability of the results and reduces the impact of random variation.
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One of the methods to prevent bias in experiments is to ensure that ______ are blinded to the group assignments.
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Keep all variables (other than the ______ variable) the same.
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The ______ variable is measured in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.
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Using ______ techniques helps to eliminate bias in experiments.
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A larger ______ size can improve the reliability of experimental results.
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To prevent ______, researchers should standardize conditions across all experimental groups.
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One of the key elements in experimental design is the ______ variable, which is manipulated to observe effects.
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In scientific research, analyzing data helps validate the ______ formed before the experiment.
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Falsification helps to validate a ______ by showing that other explanations can be ruled out.
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The variable you manipulate in an experiment is called the ______.
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The variable you measure in an experiment is referred to as the ______.
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To minimize bias, observers should be ______ to the experiment when measuring results.
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Using a large sample size, typically greater than ______, improves the reliability of experimental results.
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Randomization techniques are used to prevent ______ in experimental results.
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To test if results are consistent, an experiment should be ______ many times.
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Keeping all variables constant except for the independent variable is known as ______.
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To ensure reliability, experimental conditions should be ______ on more than one subject.
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A system is comprised of interconnected parts and has a purpose or ______.
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Inflows and outflows determine the ______ in a given system.
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If inflow is greater than outflow, the stock will ______.
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Stabilizing feedback helps bring a system back to ______.
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Amplifying feedback can lead a system to a new equilibrium that is ______.
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The atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere are all components of ______ systems.
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Feedback can cause stock to influence inflow and ______.
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The rate at which stuff exits a system is known as ______.
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The process of ______ involves plants converting carbon dioxide into glucose using sunlight.
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Cellular ______ is the process by which living organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy.
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The combustion of ______ fuels releases a significant amount of CO2 into the atmosphere.
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The geological carbon cycle includes processes like ______ that occur over millions of years.
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Human activities, such as ______ and deforestation, significantly reduce carbon sinks.
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Burning of plant material for ______ releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
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Only about ______% of the increased CO2 from human activities remains in the atmosphere.
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The increase in ______ gases from human activity is a major driver of climate change.
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In photosynthesis, producers use sunlight to synthesize food from ______ and H2O.
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During cellular respiration, organic molecules are broken down to release ______.
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Fossil fuels are formed from organisms that did not ______ when they died.
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Volcanism releases ______ from the center of the Earth into the atmosphere.
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The process of rock weathering involves carbonic acid breaking down rocks to release ______.
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When we breathe out, we release ______ as a byproduct of cellular respiration.
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Humans impact the carbon cycle significantly by burning ______.
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Dissolution processes convert CO2 into ______ when it dissolves in water.
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During ______, CO2 is converted into organic molecules by plants, algae, and bacteria.
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The process of ______ allows organisms to utilize energy from producers or other consumers to grow and develop.
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Fossil fuels serve as ______ sources, releasing carbon into the atmosphere when burned.
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The geological portion of the carbon cycle involves ______, which can store carbon for millions of years.
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Human ______ on the carbon cycle includes activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.
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The balance of ______ and decomposition is crucial for maintaining the carbon cycle.
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Organic molecules produced during photosynthesis are transferred through the ______ chain.
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Decomposers play a significant role in the carbon cycle by breaking down detritus and releasing ______ back into the atmosphere.
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If energy inflow and energy outflow to the system are not equal, it creates an energy ______.
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Solar energy on the planet averages around ______ Watts/m2 over time and space.
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Earth’s climate sensitivity indicates that if 1 Watt/m2 is added to the surface, the temperature increases by ______ degrees Celsius.
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To measure energy at a given time, we use the unit called a ______.
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The primary measurement unit for energy per unit area is ______/m2.
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Earth’s ultimate source of energy is ______ energy.
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The ______ effect involves trapping the sun's warmth in the planet’s lower atmosphere.
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Longwave energy emitted back to space by the planet is ______, which keeps the heat.
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Energy flow in equals energy flow out, creating an ______ balance.
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Greenhouse gases absorb and ______ the longwave energy emitted from Earth’s surface.
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Earth's reflectivity is quantified by its ______, which measures how much solar energy is reflected back into space.
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Solar radiation has a shorter ______ length than the outgoing infrared radiation.
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Energy can be converted from one form to another, but can neither be ______ nor destroyed.
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Reduced reflectivity/albedo leads to clear evidence of ______.
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The ______ effect has clear evidence of causing energy imbalance.
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Increased ______ activity does not significantly impact energy change.
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A stabilizing feedback loop includes ______ radiation and temperature.
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Albedo impacts the conditions of the ______, atmosphere, and other climate components.
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The long-term heating of Earth’s climate system is primarily due to human activities that increase heat trapping ______.
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The increase in ocean heat content is causing water to expand and raising global ______ levels.
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Increased humidity results in more water vapor in the air, making the air feel ______.
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Photographs and long-term records show that mountain ______ are melting and retreating in size.
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Satellite images reveal that the area of land covered by ______ is decreasing over time.
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The imbalance in Earth’s energy budget is caused by changes in ______ per square meter.
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Human activities that lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions are a major driver of ______ change.
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The melting of polar ice caps results from rising global temperatures due to ______ change.
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Increased solar activity contributes to the energy ______ on Earth.
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Reduced reflectivity, also known as ______, affects the amount of solar energy absorbed by Earth.
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An increase in the greenhouse effect is clear evidence of ______ in the Earth's climate system.
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Fresh snow has a high albedo of ______, meaning it reflects most of the incoming solar energy.
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Blue areas on the albedo anomaly map indicate a ______ in reflectivity from the average.
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The changes in Earth's temperature can create ______ loops that amplify climate effects.
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As Earth's temperature rises, the albedo of glacier ice ______, leading to greater energy absorption.
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The ______ can radically change due to feedback mechanisms in the climate system.
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Study Notes
What is Climate and Weather?
- Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions occurring locally over short periods, like rain, snow, clouds, and wind.
- Climate encompasses long-term average patterns of temperature, humidity, and rainfall across seasons, years, and decades.
- Climate is influenced by factors such as precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns, which vary across regions and time.
- Weather is more predictable than climate.
Climate Change & Variability
- Climate change involves alterations in long-term average climate patterns, spanning across time and space.
- Climate variability describes year-to-year fluctuations in regional climate, like shifts in precipitation or temperature, but without changes to the long-term average.
- Climate change encompasses both alterations in long-term averages and anomalies, which are deviations from those averages.
The Importance of Predictable Climate
- Humans rely on predictable climate for various aspects of life, including:
- Agriculture: Consistent rainfall for planting and growth, dry conditions for harvesting.
- Water availability: Reliable access to water resources.
- Built environment and infrastructure: Roads, water systems, and housing.
- Mitigation of natural disasters: Reducing the severity of droughts, storms, and floods.
Climate Literacy
- Climate literacy encompasses four key elements:
- Understanding the Earth's climate system: Comprehending the essential principles of the climate system.
- Accessing credible information: Knowing how to find reliable scientific information about climate.
- Making informed decisions: Taking actions that consider the potential impact on climate.
- Communicating effectively: Communicating about climate and climate change in a meaningful way.
Climate vs. Weather
- Weather is the atmospheric conditions occurring locally over brief periods. Examples include rain, snow, clouds, and wind.
- Climate is the long-term (regional or global) average of temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns observed over seasons, years, and decades. It encompasses the time and space patterns of precipitation, temperature, and wind, indicating variations across areas and over time.
- Climate is more predictable than weather.
Climate Change
- Climate change refers to shifts in the patterns of climate over time and space.
- These changes can be observed in warming winters or shifts in rainfall frequency between areas.
- Climate changes naturally on various timescales, ranging from decades, centuries, and millennia to longer periods like ice ages.
- Climate changes naturally on various spatial scales, affecting local, regional, and even global areas.
Climate Variability
- Climate variability encompasses year-to-year fluctuations in a region's climate, such as shifts from drier to wetter or warmer to cooler conditions.
- The long-term average remains unchanged.
- Anomalies refer to differences between the long-term average and specific values (like temperature) at a given time.
Significance of Predictable Climate
- Predictable climate is crucial for human reliance on various systems.
- Agriculture: Predictable rainfall supports seeding, plant growth, and dry conditions for harvest.
- Water Availability: Predictable climate patterns contribute to reliable water resources.
- Built Environment & Infrastructure: Predictable climate ensures the stability of roads, water systems, housing, and other built structures.
- Mitigation of Natural Disasters: Predictable climate helps minimize the severity of droughts, storms, and floods.
Climate Literacy
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Climate Literacy involves:
- Understanding the essential principles of Earth's climate system.
- Knowing how to access scientifically credible climate information.
- Communicating about climate and climate change in a meaningful way.
- Being able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding actions that may impact climate.
Flooding Predictions
- Many coastal regions worldwide face the threat of flooding due to rising sea levels.
- Vancouver, for instance, could experience significant flooding with a 2°C rise in temperature.
Learning Objectives
- Define climate.
- Distinguish between climate and weather.
- Define climate variability and climate change.
- Recognize the importance of predictable climate.
- List the four factors of climate literacy.
- Reflect on your existing knowledge of climate change and climate science.
What is Climate?
- Climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific region or globally.
- Climate encompasses patterns of temperature, humidity, and rainfall over seasons, years, and decades.
- Climate variations occur across geographical areas and over time.
Weather vs. Climate
- Weather describes atmospheric conditions in a specific location over short periods.
- Examples of weather include rain, snow, clouds, and wind.
Climate Change vs. Climate Variability
- Climate variability refers to short-term changes in climate within a region from year to year.
- These fluctuations can range from drier to wetter or warmer to cooler.
- Climate variability does not affect the long-term average climate of a region.
- Climate change involves shifts in the long-term averages of climate over time.
Why is Predictable Climate Important?
- Humans rely on predictable climate for various aspects of life, including:
- Agriculture: predictable rainfall for planting and harvesting
- Water availability: reliable water sources
- Built Environment: construction and infrastructure (roads, water systems, housing)
- Mitigation of natural disasters like droughts, storms and floods
Climate Literacy
- Climate literacy encompasses four key factors:
- Understanding the fundamental principles of Earth's climate system.
- Accessing and interpreting scientifically credible climate information.
- Making informed decisions about actions that may affect climate.
- Effectively communicating about climate and climate change.
Observed Changes in the Climate System
- Recent human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are higher than ever before.
- Climate changes have had significant impacts on human and natural systems.
- The Earth's climate system has warmed unequivocally since the 1950s.
- Many observed changes in the climate system are unprecedented in decades to millennia.
- The atmosphere and oceans have warmed.
- Snow and ice amounts have diminished.
- Sea level has risen.
Climate and CO2
- There is a strong correlation between temperature change and CO2 levels.
- The data suggests a correlation, but more analysis is needed to determine causation.
CO2 Concentration Changes
- CO2 concentrations have been increasing rapidly for about 200 years based on detailed ice core evidence.
Causes of Anthropogenic Climate Change
- Human influence on the climate system is clear.
Climate Change Factors
- Latitude
- Altitude/elevation
- Proximity to oceans
- Direction of ocean currents
- Surface vegetation
- Global atmospheric composition
- Earth's orbit
Earth's Orbit and Climate Change
- Changes in Earth's distance and orientation relative to the sun can cause historic climate changes.
- This is responsible for periods of glaciation (ice ages).
Climate Change Data
- Climate data over 450,000 years shows significant fluctuations in average temperatures.
- The rate of temperature change over the past 160 years is much higher than the rate of change over 9700 years.
- The rate of temperature change over the past 160 years is approximately an order of magnitude higher than the rate of change over 9700 years.
- The average annual global temperature has increased significantly over the past 30 years.
Hypothesis-based Science
- Uses scientific methods to explain observations
- Requires a testable hypothesis based on existing knowledge or observations
- A hypothesis must be falsifiable, meaning it can be disproven
Quantitative Data
- Derived from measurements or calculations
- Often presented in figures or tables
Qualitative Data
- Descriptive data, often expressed in words
- Examples include observing weather patterns and documenting attitudes towards climate change
Discovery Science
- Exploratory, driven by curiosity
- Relies on observations and questions
- Does not make predictions about what will be found
- May lead to hypothesis-based science
Scientific Process + Data
- Empirical data is based on observation and experimentation and is measurable.
- Can be quantitative or qualitative
- Can be gathered through discovery science or hypothesis-based science
Scientific Data
- Examples include air bubbles in ice cores retaining atmospheric gases present during ice formation, annual tree rings indicating age and growth spurts, and CO2 levels measured continuously at Mauna Loa Observatory since 1958
- Anecdotal data is collected casually and informally and is not considered scientific data
Good vs. Poor Scientific Design
- Good Science: Large sample size, randomization, repetition, standardized variables, conclusions based on all data
- Poor Science: Small sample size, inability to replicate results, manipulation of variables, conclusions based on assumptions or partial data
Scientific Literacy
- Important for making informed decisions about science
- Especially important for politicians creating policy dealing with modern challenges
What is Science?
- An attempt to obtain knowledge through inquiry
- Seeks information, explanations, and answers to specific questions
- Attempts to eliminate human bias and observe biology in its truest sense
Scientific Process
- Two scientific methods (processes) are used to gather data:
- Discovery Science
- Hypothesis-based Science
Scientific Method
- The scientific method is a process used to gain knowledge about the natural world.
- The scientific method involves asking questions, doing research, constructing a hypothesis, designing and conducting an experiment, analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and reporting results.
Experimental Design
- A good experimental design is essential for proper scientific method.
- A large number of samples reduce the role of change in determining results.
- Bias can be prevented by using randomization and blinding observers to the experiment.
- Standardized variables ideally differ by only one factor (independent variable) in the experiment and control groups.
- Replication should repeat the test conditions (experiment) on more than one subject.
Independent and Dependent Variables
- The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment.
- The dependent variable is the variable that is measured in an experiment.
- Standardized (constant) variables are all other factors that may affect the results.
Hypothesis
- A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment.
- A hypothesis is never proven correct, but can be supported or falsified by evidence.
Scientific Theory
- A scientific theory is a broad explanation for a wide range of observations and phenomena.
- Scientific theories are supported by a large body of empirical evidence.
- Scientific theories are constantly being tested and refined.
- Scientific theories are never proven, but can be strengthened by evidence.
Global Climate Change
- There is a scientific theory that the increase of greenhouse gasses due to human activity is the cause of climate change.
- This theory is supported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 2014.
- It is not possible to prove this theory correct definitively, but it has been strengthened by a large body of evidence.
Systems Thinking
- A system is comprised of interconnected parts with a specific purpose or function.
- Examples of systems include the human body, the Earth's climate system, and the global economic system.
- A collection of items without connections or a group of randomly scattered items is not a system.
- Systems function through information and material flows between their interconnected parts.
- Changes in systems over time are driven by feedback.
System Dynamics (Stock & Flow)
- Stock refers to the amount of "stuff" within a system at a particular time.
- For example, the stock of carbon in the atmosphere could be measured in gigatonnes (Gtons C).
- Stuff flows in and out of a system.
- Inflow is the rate at which stuff enters a system.
- Outflow is the rate at which stuff exits a system.
- The rate of carbon added to the atmosphere can be expressed as GtonsC per year.
- Stocks at a particular time reflect the historical balance of inflow and outflow.
System Dynamics (Stock & Flow - Equilibrium)
- If inflow equals outflow, the stock remains the same.
- If outflow is greater than inflow, the stock decreases.
- If inflow is greater than outflow, the stock increases.
System Dynamics (Feedback Loops)
- Outflow and inflow can influence the stock.
- If outflow is greater than inflow, the stock may decrease.
- If outflow is less than inflow, the stock may increase.
- The stock can also influence the flow.
- A higher stock can lead to a higher outflow.
- Equilibrium occurs when inflow equals outflow, and the stock remains stable.
System Dynamics (Feedback - Amplifying & Stabilizing)
- Feedback loops can cause the stock to influence inflow and outflow.
- Amplifying feedback reinforces a perturbation, pushing the system further in the same direction.
- Amplifying feedback destabilizes systems and can cause new, irreversible system equilibriums.
- Stabilizing or balancing feedback brings a system back to equilibrium.
Earth's Climate System
- Comprises four key components:
- Atmosphere: Gases and aerosols
- Hydrosphere: Water and ice
- Geosphere: Rocks
- Biosphere: Life
Global Carbon Budget
- Human activities are impacting the global carbon cycle
- The global carbon cycle has carbon sources and carbon sinks
- The largest source of carbon is fossil fuel emissions
- The largest sink of carbon is the ocean
Human Impacts + Carbon Cycle
- Land use changes and deforestation reduce carbon sinks.
- Burning plant material releases carbon into the atmosphere.
- Fossil fuel use releases CO2 into the atmosphere.
- Consumption and waste release methane into the atmosphere.
Where is the Carbon Going?
- Only about 50% of the increased CO2 stays in the atmosphere.
- The remaining CO2 is absorbed by the oceans and other sinks.
Global Carbon + Future
- In 2007, the atmosphere had 380 ppm of CO2.
- Today, the atmosphere has more than 400 ppm of CO2.
Our Climate System
- There are four main components to our climate system: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, and the geosphere.
- Each component has various material reservoirs within it.
Carbon Cycle
- The carbon cycle is a system with components (like carbon pools or carbon reservoirs).
- Reservoirs that store carbon are called carbon sinks (for example: the ocean).
- Reservoirs that release carbon are carbon sources (for example: fossil fuels).
Biological Carbon Cycle
- Photosynthesis converts CO2 into organic molecules.
- Organic molecules are passed along the food chain by consumers.
- Cellular respiration returns CO2 to the atmosphere.
- Decomposers break down detritus, releasing CO2.
How Does Carbon Change Its State?
- Natural processes (carbon fluxes) move carbon atoms.
- Photosynthesis uses sunlight to convert CO2 into chemical energy (food for consumers) - producers (plants, algae, and bacteria) do this.
- Cellular respiration uses energy from producers (or other consumers) to grow and develop - consumers do this.
- Decomposition converts organic carbon molecules to inorganic carbon molecules - decomposers (bacteria and fungi) do this.
Photosynthesis
- Plants, algae, and bacteria use sunlight to synthesize food from CO2, H2O, and other nutrients.
- Inputs for photosynthesis include solar energy, CO2, H2O, and nutrients.
- Outputs from photosynthesis include sugars, O2, and plant tissues.
Cellular Respiration
- Living organisms break down organic molecules to release energy to build their own tissues.
- Inputs for cellular respiration include plant tissues (sugars), O2, and H2O.
- Outputs from cellular respiration include: CO2, H2O, and energy for growth and development.
Geological Carbon Cycle
- Long-term carbon fluxes include volcanism, dissolution, rock weathering, and sedimentation.
Fossil Fuels Emissions + Carbon Cycle
- Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon chains (lots of carbon + energy).
- Fossil fuels were formed from organisms that did not decompose when they died.
- Burning fossil fuels releases carbon into the atmosphere.
- We are now releasing carbon that was previously stored in the Earth, creating an imbalance in the carbon cycle.
The Basic Laws of Matter and Energy
- Matter cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another using energy.
- Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another.
- Thermal energy is lost from the system during these conversions.
Earth's Climate System
- Energy flows between four material reservoirs, which are driven by energy.
Energy Flow in Earth’s Climate
- The ultimate source of energy is the Sun.
- The total solar influx depends on distance from the Sun and solar activity.
Energy Loss from Earth's System
- The amount of solar energy that is reflected back into space is called albedo.
- Earth's reflectivity determines the amount of incoming solar energy that is absorbed by the Earth.
Energy Trapped in the Earth's System
- Greenhouse Effect: The trapping of solar heat in the atmosphere due to the interaction of greenhouse gases with infrared radiation.
- Greenhouse gases are present in the atmosphere naturally, but human activity can increase their concentration.
Greenhouse Gases
- Greenhouse gases allow direct sunlight to reach the Earth's surface, heating it.
- They absorb infrared radiation (heat) emitted from the Earth's surface and re-radiate it back into the atmosphere, further warming the Earth.
Sun's Energy
- Solar Radiation: Shorter wavelengths, mainly ultraviolet (UV) and visible light.
- Outgoing Radiation: Longer wavelengths, mainly infrared radiation (heat).
- Oxygen (O2), Ozone (O3), and Water Vapor (H2O) absorb solar light.
- Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Water Vapor (H2O), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and Methane (CH4) absorb long-wave radiation.
- Solar radiation is more intense than infrared radiation.
Energy Budget
- Energy inflow and outflow are in balance, resulting in an energy balance.
- Energy imbalance occurs when inflow and outflow are not equal.
- Incoming energy exceeding outgoing energy leads to an increase in global temperature.
How to Measure Energy
- Joule (J) is the unit of energy.
- Watt (W) measures energy at a given time (Joule/second).
- Watts per square meter (W/m2) measures energy over a given space.
- Average solar energy on Earth is 340 W/m2.
Climate Sensitivity
- Earth's climate sensitivity: A 1 W/m2 increase in energy results in a 0.75°C increase in surface temperature.
Global Average Temperature
- Data on global average temperature is available from sources like Climate.nasa.gov.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the three primary factors that affect energy flows and energy balance in the climate system.
- Understand and apply the basic laws of energy and matter, including the relationship between matter and energy in the Earth's climate system.
- Explain the greenhouse effect and the behavior of greenhouse gases.
- Measure energy using appropriate units.
- Apply climate sensitivity values to understand the impact of energy changes on temperature.
- Identify the evidence showing factors that cause energy imbalances in the Earth's energy budget.
Climate Controls + Energy
- Global warming and climate change are different but related.
- Global warming refers to the long-term heating of the Earth’s climate system.
- Climate change focuses on long-term changes in climate, including local, regional, and global.
- Both are driven by human activity.
Evidence for Global Warming
- Air Temperature: Increasing globally.
- Ocean Temperature: Increasing, mostly in the top 1km.
- Humidity: Increasing globally due to more water vapor in the air.
- Glacier Melting: Most mountain glaciers are melting and shrinking in size.
- Snow Cover: Areas of snow cover are decreasing in size.
Earth’s Energy Budget
- There is an imbalance in the energy budget.
- Increased solar activity is not causing the imbalance.
- Reflectivity (albedo): This is a measure of how much light is reflected from the Earth’s surface. A change in albedo is one cause of the energy imbalance.
- Greenhouse Effect: The other factor causing the energy imbalance.
Albedo
- Albedo is the measure of the surface’s reflectivity.
- Lighter colors reflect more light, while darker colors absorb more light.
- Fresh snow has a high albedo.
- Glacial ice has a lower albedo.
Ice Albedo Feedback Loop
- Ice albedo has decreased in Greenland, showing a decrease in reflectivity.
- A net increase in energy on Earth, causing the temperature to rise.
- This triggers a negative feedback loop.
- Terrestrial radiation (heat) increases, which decreases the Earth’s albedo.
- This is a stabilizing feedback loop.
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Description
This quiz explores the key differences between climate and weather, including their definitions, influences, and predictability. It also covers climate change and variability, highlighting their significance in our daily lives. Test your knowledge about these crucial environmental concepts.
