Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary difference between climate and weather?
What is the primary difference between climate and weather?
What defines the biosphere?
What defines the biosphere?
At which altitude does the troposphere extend?
At which altitude does the troposphere extend?
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one characteristic of the thermosphere?
What is one characteristic of the thermosphere?
Signup and view all the answers
Which atmospheric layer supports life due to its oxygen levels?
Which atmospheric layer supports life due to its oxygen levels?
Signup and view all the answers
How do weather and climate interact?
How do weather and climate interact?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement best represents the hydrosphere?
Which statement best represents the hydrosphere?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Unit D: Energy Flow in Global Systems, Section 1: Climate
- The unit explores energy flow in global systems, focusing on climate.
- In 2017, predictions were made about 2050, but specific details were not provided.
- In 2021, climate extremes were observed in British Columbia, highlighting concerns.
- The UN's climate change report in 2021 described the situation as "code red for humanity."
- The 2021 COP26 climate deal was met with disappointment by some Canadian activists.
Climate vs. Weather
-
Weather: Describes atmospheric conditions over a short time frame (minutes to seasons), and can change rapidly.
-
Climate: Describes long-term weather patterns over many decades or more, across a region.
-
Weather forecasting tells you what to wear each day.
-
Climate determines the types of clothing you need in your wardrobe.
-
Weather changes quickly, and can vary by the minute.
-
Climate describes long-term conditions, and is more stable.
What am I referring to?
-
Example statements about unexpected weather patterns (e.g., snow in May).
-
Relevant warnings about planting outdoors (e.g., frost).
-
Example conditions for a region (e.g., cold snap in Alberta).
-
A discussion about climate and weather understanding differences.
-
One person commenting on the difference between weather and climate.
The Spheres of Earth
- Weather and climate result from interactions within the biosphere's different parts.
- Lithosphere: Solid Earth (crust and mantle).
- Atmosphere: Gases (air).
- Hydrosphere: All water.
- Biosphere: All living things, plus the physical environment around them.
Atmosphere
- The atmosphere extends over 500 km above Earth's surface.
- Gases include nitrogen (78.08%), oxygen (20.95%), and others.
- Subdivided into layers based on temperature: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
Troposphere
- Extends from 0 to 10 km.
- Average temperature ranges from 15 to -60°C.
- Where all weather happens.
- Contains the oxygen necessary to support life.
Stratosphere
- From 10 to 50 km.
- Average temperature from -60 to 0°C.
- The ozone layer absorbs sun's energy and radiation within this layer.
Mesosphere
- From 50 to 80 km.
- Average temperature ranges from 0 to -100°C.
Thermosphere
- Extends from 80 km and above.
- Average temperature -100 to 1500°C.
Altitude vs. Temperature
- Altitude is the distance from sea level.
- Temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere.
- This limits plant growth at higher altitudes.
Lithosphere
- Includes the crust and mantle of Earth.
- Different inner layers have different characteristics (e.g., inner core is solid, outer core is liquid).
Hydrosphere
- All the water on Earth.
- Primarily saltwater (97%).
- Remaining 3% is freshwater (often frozen).
- The amount of water on Earth remains relatively constant.
Adaptation to Climate
- Organisms adapt to their climates.
- Examined examples include different plants and animal species.
- Examined effects of climate change, especially on organisms, if change happens too fast.
Rapid Climate Change → Collapse of Biodiversity
- Rapid climate change can lead to a decline in biodiversity (variety of life).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz examines the critical distinctions between climate and weather while exploring energy flow in global systems. It highlights recent climate events and reports that shape our understanding of climate change. Prepare to test your knowledge on these important concepts and their implications for the future.
