ISU Climate Change Introduction PDF

Climate Change Introduction - ISU Select method of study: A. Read ON Science 10 Section 7.1 (p.269-278) Factors That Affect Climate Change B. Or watch 2.1 Earth’s Climate System Describe the primary components of the Earth system: 2.1 Earth’s Climate System (~3:30) - Atmosphere (p.273) - surr...

Climate Change Introduction - ISU Select method of study: A. Read ON Science 10 Section 7.1 (p.269-278) Factors That Affect Climate Change B. Or watch 2.1 Earth’s Climate System Describe the primary components of the Earth system: 2.1 Earth’s Climate System (~3:30) - Atmosphere (p.273) - surrounds earth - absorbs thermal energy emitted by the sun and earth - mainly composed of gases nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), along with water vapour (H2O), very tiny concentrations of other gases, and particles of solids - the greenhouse effect is when the atmosphere gases absorb thermal energy radiated from the sun and earth to naturally warm the earth - Hydrosphere(p.274) - the multitude of water which covers earth - comes in many different forms (liquid water, ice, water vapour, snow) - transfers heat throughout earth - ice and snow reflect sunlight and heat while bodies of water and vapour hold heat and spread it around - Biosphere - encompasses all living organisms on earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as their ecosystems - living organisms, especially plants play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon - forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems act as carbon sinks, helping to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere - Geosphere (a.k.a. Lithosphere) ’A rocky surface’ - consists of the solid, rocky outer layer of the earth - has tectonic plates which are huge pieces of rock that make up earth's outer shell and move around on the underlying rock layer, and has various landforms  including mountains, valleys, plains, and other landforms created by tectonic activity and erosion Explain how the three primary factors each influence energy flow in Earth’s climate system ( 2.1 Earth’s Climate System~12:05): - Solar energy (pg. 270 - 272) - the sun is the primary source of energy for earth's climate system, solar energy travels through space as light and heat - the intensity of solar energy reaching earth's surface affects the temperature of the air, water and land - the heat drives climate features including wind and precipitation - the sun's output varies due to irregular fluctuations which influences climate patterns - the earth rotates affecting daily temperature cycles - the earth's orbit around the sun creates seasonal changes because the angle of sunlight impacts the distribution of solar energy - Greenhouse effect (p.273) - solar energy enters earth's atmosphere and is absorbed by the surface, they earth radiates thermal energy back into the atmosphere - greenhouse gases absorb this thermal energy then re-emit it in all directions including back to earth's surface - the re-emission of thermal energy creates a warming effect, keeping earth surface temperature at a living range by preventing to much heat from going back into space - without the greenhouse effect earth's average surface temperature would be significantly lower making it much less hospitable for living organisms - Reflectivity (albedo) (p.275). What does an increase in albedo mean? Decrease? - reflectivity (albedo) for earth is the amount of solar energy that is reflected back into space by surfaces such as snow, ice, land and oceans - high albedo surfaces are light colored surfaces and reflect a large portion of solar radiation which reduces the amount of heat absorbed by earth's surface, leading to cooling - low albedo surfaces are dark colored surfaces meaning they absorb more solar radiation, increasing the amount of heat absorbed by the earth's surface, leading to warming  - increased albedo means more solar radiation would be reflected back into space, leading to cooling, resulting in more snow and ice - decreased albedo means less solar radiation is reflected back into space, leading to warming and melting snow and ice C. Answer Review Questions p.278 #1-8. Please give appropriate detail as these constitute your notes! 1. How is climate different from weather? Climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular area measured over a long period. It shows the trends and variations in temperature, humidity, precipitation, etc. Weather refers to the short-term conditions of the atmosphere at a specific time and place. It shows every day changes in temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind and visibility. 2. Use Figures 7.3 and 7.6 to explain how energy from the Sun affects Earth’s climate. Figures 7.3 and 7.6 show how the movement and shape of the earth affects how the sun hits it, determining earth's climate. Figure 7.3 shows the orbit of the earth throughout a year showing that the angle of sunlight on earth determines the seasons. Figure 7.6 shows the effect of the curvature of earth's surface. Since the earth is curved, sunlight hits it at different latitudes and covers different amounts of area. For example, the sun spreads over a larger area of land for the poles, leading to cooler temperatures, whereas the sun hits the equator more directly, leading to warmer temperatures. 3. How do the specific heat capacities of water and rock explain why the climate in Toronto, Ontario, is more mild than the climate in Pierre, South Dakota? Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it requires a large amount of energy to change its temperature. This causes large bodies of water, like the Great Lakes near Toronto to moderate temperature changes, resulting in milder climates. Rock has a lower specific heat capacity, meaning it heats up and cools down more quickly. This leads to more extreme temperature variations in places like Pierre, South Dakota, which are farther from large bodies of water. 4. How might the formation of mountain chains affect climate? The formation of mountain chains affect climate by altering wind and precipitation patterns. When moist air is forced to rise over mountains, it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation on the other side. 5. The graph on the right shows how temperature deviated from the global average temperature during the early 1990s. In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines. How did this eruption affect global average temperature in the years following the eruption? The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991 caused the global temperature to cool for the following years of the eruption. Some gases from volcanoes reflect incoming solar radiation, this is probably why the eruption resulted in the cooling of earth. 6. Create a diagram that illustrates the major factors that affect Earth’s climate. Be sure to label each factor. 7. Which factor do you think has a stronger effect on climate, the atmosphere or the ocean? Explain your answer. Both the ocean and atmosphere have major effects on the climate. However, I think the ocean has a slightly stronger effect because of its mass and ability to hold a vast amount of heat which it distributes throughout the whole earth through currents, and its ability to absorb significant amounts of solar radiation and CO2. In fact, the world’s ocean’s top 2.3 meters holds as much heat as the whole atmosphere does. 8. What human activity may be the cause of recent rises in global temperatures? The emission of greenhouse gases from things like increased use of fossil fuels, transportation, agriculture, deforestation, and many other industrial processes may be the cause of recent rises in global warming. These activities enhance the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat in the atmosphere leading to global warming. D. Read ON Science 10 Section 7.3 Indicators and Effects of Climate Change (p.290-298) and make a notes using the following table as your guideline: Indicator Impacts Changes in Polar and - ice in Greenland and Antarctica has been melting Glacial Ice at higher rates in recent years - The West Antarctic ice sheet loses approximately 65 km3 of ice per year - the melting of the ice increases sea levels about 0.16mm per year - melting ice affects habitats of amia;s ike polar bears and seals - affects the traditional lifestyle of Arctic communities, making travel and hunting more difficult and dangerous Rising Sea Level - warmer sea water expands, contributing to rising (from thermal expansion sea levels and melting of icecaps) - the melting of glaciers and icecaps outside of Greenland and Antarctica could cause global sea levels to rise about 20-40 cm in the next 100 years - coastal areas and islands are at risk of flooding - tide, ocean currents, and winds could amplify or reduce impacts Ocean Acidity - oceans absorb about half of all CO2 emissions (from carbonic acid from fossil fuels over the past 200 years created when CO2 - dissolved CO2 forms carbonic acid, lowering ocean absorbed) pH (making it more acidic) - surface ocean pH dropped from approximately 8.25 to 8.14 between 1751 and 2004  - increased acidity threatens coral reefs and organisms that build shells and skeletons - affects fish and plankton reproduction - low-lying islands and coastal areas become more vulnerable to storms - affects the success of commercial fisheries which provide food for the population Climate and Health - increased risk of injury or death due to heat waves, floods, tornadoes, lightning strikes, and snowstorms - higher temperatures can increase outbreaks of diseases carried by insects, rodents, birds and other animals - changes in rainfall and temperature affect water supplies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases (example: the Walkerton Water Tragedy in 2000 in Ontario, when heavy rain caused contaminated runoff to enter the drinking water supply, leading to illnesses and deaths) - rising temperatures increase dust, mould growth, and pollen release, triggering asthma and allergies - climate change may lead to more smog days - as the air quality worsens people with respiratory issues may need to reduce their outside activity - increased medical attention for respiratory issues will lead to higher health care costs Changing Wind and - changes in heat distribution over earth's surface Precipitation Patterns have led to fluctuating wind speed, frequency, and direction - Unusual wind patterns are believed to contribute to increased melting of arctic ice - high temperatures increase the rate of evaporation - warm, moist air rises and cools in the upper atmosphere, producing rain or snow - in ontario, average annual temperatures have increased by as muchas 1.4 degrees celsius since 1948 - northern ontario has seen significant increases in snowfall during autumn - increased precipitation and flooding boost runoff from streets and fields - overflowing storm water and sewage systems  - contamination of drinking water by animal waste, fertilizers, and raw sewage, leading to more waterborne diseases - reduced rainfall can cause desertification and famines - warmer tropical waters have intensified hurricanes, increasing their maximum wind speeds Changing Biomes - plants and animals will no longer be able to survive in specific regions as climate conditions change - study showed that 15-35% of 1103 species in the study are at risk of extinction by 2050 - globally, more than 1 million species could be threatened with extinction due to climate change - greater disease risk - decreased food supply from fisheries - higher risks of forest fires due to drying climates - loss of coastal land - displacement of populations - water demand will surpass supply - decreasing crop yields - increased storm severity - increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere due to loss of forests - reducing habitats for wetland species due to drying out wetlands because of lower water levels in the great lakes E. Answer Review Questions p.299 #1-8. Please give appropriate detail as these constitute your notes! 1. What is the most important indicator of global climate change in recent years? The most important indicator of global climate change in recent years has been global warming, the increase in the average temperature of the atmosphere and oceans. 2. How does global warming affect sea level? Global warming affects sea levels through thermal expansion and melting ice caps and glaciers. The melting of icecaps and glaciers and the expansion of ocean water when it warms cause sea levels to rise. 3. How might a warming climate affect human health? A warming climate can affect human health in various ways: Increased disease risk - higher temperatures facilitate the spread of diseases carried by different animals. Waterborne diseases - changes in rainfall and temperature can increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Respiratory Issues - Rising temperatures can increase dust, mould, and pollen, triggering asthma and allergies. Extreme weather - Heat waves, floods, and other extreme weather events pose direct risk to human health. 4. The graph below shows the number of people who visited doctors for skin disorders between January 1967 and January 1971. Write a paragraph that summarizes the relationship between temperature, humidity, and the number of skin diseases reported during that time frame. Between January 1967 and January 1971, the number of people visiting doctors for skin disorders showed a correlation with temperature and humidity levels. This indicates that higher temperatures and humidity levels create conditions conducive to the increase of allergens and skin irritants. The relationship concludes that warmer, more humid conditions can worsen skin conditions, leading to higher occurrence of reported skin diseases. 5. Explain how an increase in average temperature might lead to an increase in precipitation in a region. An increase in average temperature can lead to an increase in precipitation in a region because warmer air can hold more moisture. This increased capacity for moisture results in higher evaporation rates. When the moist air rises and cools, it condenses to form clouds and eventually precipitates as rain or snow, increasing overall precipitation. 6. Why is a changing climate more of a threat to forests than to agricultural crops? Changing climate is more of a threat to forests than to agricultural crops because agricultural crops are more easily and efficiently relocated than forests. Forests consist of trees which have long life spans and connote relocate expeditiously in response to changing climate conditions. They are also more vulnerable to forest fries, pest infestations, and diseases. Whereas, agricultural crops are short lived and can be replanted in a reasonable amount of time in new locations. Agricultural practices can also be adjusted to suit changes. 7. Is it reasonable to conclude that because the 2005 hurricane season produced a record number of storms and some of the strongest storms in history, global warming is causing an increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes? Explain your answer. Not exactly. While warmer ocean water can make hurricanes stronger, we need more evidence over a longer period of time to be sure that global warming is causing increased and stronger hurricanes. Just one year with many hurricanes isn’t enough to prove this. 8. How does climate change affect the biodiversity of a region? Climate change affects the biodiversity of a region by altering the habitats and conditions that species rely on for survival. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change, some species may struggle to adapt, leading to increased risks of extinction for several species. F. Read ON Science 10 Section 8.2 Greenhouse Gases and Human Activity and fill in the table below: Greenhouse gases absorb and then re-emit infrared radiation reflected from Earth. Greenhouse Source(s) Relationship to Methods of Reducing Gas Global Warming Water vapour - evaporation - most abundant - you can't directly reduce water from oceans, greenhouse gas vapour, however the decrease of lakes, and - a warmer atmosphere other greenhouse gases can cool rivers leads to more evaporation, the atmosphere leading to less more evaporation leads to water vapor  more water vapor, and more water vapor absorbs more thermal energy, leading to a warmer atmosphere Carbon dioxide - burning fossil - significant greenhouse - reduce fossil fuel usage fuels gas due to its ability to - deforestation prevention and - deforestation absorb and reemit radiation reforestation - natural - human activities have processes such increased it, contributing to as respiration global warming Methane - agriculture - powerful greenhouse gas - landfills with the global warming - reduce livestock methane - fossil fuel potential 25 times more production (i.e. dietary changes) extraction than CO2 in the next 100 - improve landfill management (i.e. - wetlands years capture and use methane as an - rice paddies - traps heat in the energy source) atmosphere - reduce methane leaks from natural gas production Nitrous oxide - decomposition - contributes to global - reduce over-fertilization and use of organic warming organic fertilizers matter in soils - depletes stratospheric - implement better waste practices and oceans ozone which helps block - use cleaner industrial processes - chemical harmful UV radiation fertilizers - sewage treatment - burning of fossil fuels - industrial processes Halocarbons - entirely human - contribute to ozone - use alternative, more made chemicals depletion environmentally friendly used in - extremely powerful refrigerants refrigeration, air greenhouse gasses that - encourage industry standards to conditioning, have very high global eliminate halocarbons in and as solvents warming power refrigeration and cooling systems - formed from carbon and one or more halogens Ozone Ozone is created in the stratosphere. Ozone absorbs harmful UV rays and therefore is not a greenhouse gas in the stratosphere. Note that weather and therefore climate occurs in the troposphere close to earth! Ozone is created at ground level by the reaction between chemicals in vehicle exhaust and sunlight. Ozone at ground level can contribute to the greenhouse effect. Once again, reducing vehicle exhaust will reduce this gas. 1. How is ozone different from other Greenhouse gases? Ozone is different from other greenhouse gases because it has two roles depending on where it is in the atmosphere. In the stratosphere, ozone forms the ozone layer, protecting earth from harmful UV radiation and cooling the atmosphere. In the troposphere, ozone is a harmful pollutant that contributes to smog and global warming. While ozone may act as a greenhouse gas by trapping heat in the troposphere, its overall effect on warming is less than gases like CO2 or methane. G. Global Warming Potential: Copy Table 8.5 Global Warming Potential of Major Greenhouse Gases from p.330 into your notes. Greenhouse Gas Chemical Formula Atmospheric Global Warming Lifetime (years) Potential (GWP) over 100 years Carbon Dioxide CO2 variable 1 Methane CH4 12 25 Nitrous Oxide N2O 115 298 Chlorofluorocarbons various infinite 4750-5310 (CFCs)