Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the difference between weather and climate?
Which of the following best describes the difference between weather and climate?
The climate of a region is primarily determined by short-term weather patterns.
The climate of a region is primarily determined by short-term weather patterns.
False (B)
What are three factors that affect climate change?
What are three factors that affect climate change?
Distance from the equator, ocean and air currents, land formations
The sun's energy that is absorbed by the Earth is re-radiated as ______ light.
The sun's energy that is absorbed by the Earth is re-radiated as ______ light.
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Match the terms with the correct definition:
Match the terms with the correct definition:
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Which factor is NOT directly related to climate change?
Which factor is NOT directly related to climate change?
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The climate of a region can change significantly over a long period of time.
The climate of a region can change significantly over a long period of time.
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What percentage of the sun's light is absorbed by the Earth?
What percentage of the sun's light is absorbed by the Earth?
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The ______ effect is a natural process where gases and clouds absorb infrared radiation.
The ______ effect is a natural process where gases and clouds absorb infrared radiation.
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Match the following climate factors with their descriptions:
Match the following climate factors with their descriptions:
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What is the average temperature of Earth without the greenhouse effect?
What is the average temperature of Earth without the greenhouse effect?
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Methane is less effective as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Methane is less effective as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
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What do carbon sinks do?
What do carbon sinks do?
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Water vapor contributes to _____ of the greenhouse effect.
Water vapor contributes to _____ of the greenhouse effect.
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Which greenhouse gas is associated with agricultural practices?
Which greenhouse gas is associated with agricultural practices?
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Match the following greenhouse gases with their human-related sources:
Match the following greenhouse gases with their human-related sources:
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Seasonal changes are becoming less pronounced in Canada due to climate change.
Seasonal changes are becoming less pronounced in Canada due to climate change.
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What climate change-related evidence has been observed since 1970?
What climate change-related evidence has been observed since 1970?
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Study Notes
Weather vs. Climate
- Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions (days to weeks), including temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind.
- Climate represents long-term weather patterns (over 30 years) in a region. It dictates the types of plants and animals that can survive there.
- Climate is the expectation, weather is the reality.
Climate Zones and Ecoregions
- Climate zones are regions categorized by temperature, precipitation, and plant/animal communities.
- Ecoregions are areas defined by climate, plants/animals, human factors, and soil/landforms.
Factors Affecting Climate
- Proximity to large bodies of water influences temperature and precipitation.
- Latitude (distance from the equator) significantly affects temperature.
- Ocean and air currents play a crucial role in climate distribution.
- Land formations and elevation influence local climates.
Solar Energy and the Greenhouse Effect
- The sun is the primary energy source for Earth.
- Approximately 30% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space.
- 70% is absorbed and then re-radiated as infrared light.
- The intensity of absorbed solar energy varies geographically.
- The greenhouse effect is a natural process where greenhouse gases trap and re-radiate infrared energy, warming the planet.
- Without the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be -18°C.
- With the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature is 15°C.
- A stronger greenhouse effect leads to a warmer planet.
Greenhouse Gases
- Greenhouse gases (GHGs) comprise atmospheric gases with two or more different elements.
- Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor (H2O).
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- CO2 comprises 0.038% of the atmosphere.
- Pre-industrial CO2 levels were ~280 ppm.
- Current levels are ~385 ppm.
- Oceans and plant life act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2.
Water Vapor (H2O)
- Water vapor is responsible for a significant portion of the greenhouse effect.
Methane (CH4)
- Methane is 23 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2.
- Natural sources include plants and animals.
- Industrial processes significantly contribute to rising levels.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
- Nitrous oxide is 300 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2.
- Human activities are increasing N2O levels.
Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases
- Anthropogenic GHGs are human-made GHGs.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Burning fossil fuels is the primary source of increased atmospheric CO2.
- Deforestation reduces the planet's capacity to absorb CO2.
Methane (CH4)
- Agricultural practices (e.g., livestock farming) contribute to methane emissions.
- Coal mining and deforestation also release methane.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
- Fertilizers and livestock feed are sources of nitrous oxide.
CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
- CFCs have no natural sources and were used in refrigerants.
- The Montreal Protocol has successfully reduced CFC emissions.
Water Vapor
- Increased water vapor can contribute to higher temperatures and greenhouse effect, but isn't directly a product of human actions in the same way as other greenhouse gases. (industry/irrigation/power plants influence this indirectly).
Evidence of Climate Change
- Global temperatures have increased by ~0.6°C since 1970.
- Canada has experienced a 1°C rise in temperature over the past ~55 years.
- Some regions have experienced up to a 2.5°C temperature increase.
- Glaciers are shrinking globally.
- Greenland's ice melting rate is accelerating.
- Rising sea levels are threatening low-lying areas.
- Extreme weather events (heat waves, storms) are becoming more frequent.
- Precipitation patterns are changing (increased rainfall in some areas, decreased rainfall in others).
- Seasons are shifting (e.g., later snowfalls, earlier spring arrivals, shorter cold periods, longer growing seasons).
- Ecosystems are changing due to climate shifts (species migration, earlier breeding patterns).
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Description
Test your understanding of the differences between weather and climate with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as climate zones, ecoregions, and the factors that influence climate. Enhance your knowledge about how solar energy and the greenhouse effect play roles in Earth's climate system.
