Climate Change and Energy Balance PDF

Created by Turbolearn AI Climate Change and Energy Balance Earth's Energy Balance The Earth's energy balance refers to the balance between the amount of energy the Earth receives from the sun and the amount of energy it loses to space. "In a steady state Earth, that is no disruptions to Eart...

Created by Turbolearn AI Climate Change and Energy Balance Earth's Energy Balance The Earth's energy balance refers to the balance between the amount of energy the Earth receives from the sun and the amount of energy it loses to space. "In a steady state Earth, that is no disruptions to Earth's energy balance, the amount of energy coming in should approximately equal the energy going out on some relevant time scale." Insolation Patterns Insolation patterns refer to the amount of solar energy received by the Earth's surface. The amount of insolation varies by latitude, with the equatorial regions receiving the most direct insolation. Latitude Insolation W /m² Equator 1000-1200 Mid-latitudes 600-800 Poles 100-200 Temperature Profiles Temperature profiles are determined by insolation patterns. The equatorial regions are generally warmer than the polar regions due to the higher amount of insolation received. Region Temperature °C Equator 20-30 Mid-latitudes 10-20 Poles -20 to 0 Precipitation Patterns Page 1  Created by Turbolearn AI Precipitation patterns are influenced by insolation patterns. The equatorial regions experience high rates of evaporation and precipitation due to the high amount of insolation received. Region Precipitation mm/year Equator 2000-4000 Mid-latitudes 1000-2000 Poles 100-500 Intertropical Convergence Zone IT CZ The ITCZ is a belt of low-pressure systems near the equator where the trade winds converge. It is characterized by high levels of precipitation and is responsible for the formation of tropical cyclones. Month ITCZ Location January 10°S - 20°S July 10°N - 20°N Climate Change Impacts Climate change is disrupting the predictability of the ITCZ, leading to changes in precipitation patterns and agricultural productivity. Region Impact Developing Decreased agricultural productivity due to changes in countries precipitation patterns North America Increased frequency of extreme weather events Earth's Energy Balance Diagram The Earth's energy balance diagram shows the flow of energy into and out of the Earth's system. Key Components: Page 2  Created by Turbolearn AI Solar radiation Atmospheric absorption Surface absorption Evaporation Convection Radiation to space Key Processes: Energy input from the sun Energy loss to space Energy transfer between the atmosphere and surface Energy storage in the oceans and land## Earth's Energy Balance Earth's energy balance is the balance between the amount of energy coming into the Earth and the amount of energy being emitted back into space. Incoming Energy The yellow lines on the graph represent the energy coming into the Earth as shortwave radiation, or insulation. This energy is either absorbed by the Earth's surface or reflected back into space by clouds and the surface. Outgoing Energy The red lines on the graph represent the energy being emitted back into space as longwave radiation. This energy is emitted by the Earth's surface, including plants, soils, and other objects. Mechanisms of Climate Change Climate change can occur through changes in the Earth's energy balance. There are two main types of mechanisms: long-term and short-term. Long-term Mechanisms Page 3  Created by Turbolearn AI Milankovitch Cycles: Changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun that occur over geological timescales 10, 000to100, 000years. These changes affect the amount of solar radiation the Earth receives, leading to changes in the Earth's energy balance. Milankovitch Cycle Description Precession The wobble of the Earth's axis as it spins Obliquity The tilt of the Earth's axis Eccentricity The shape of the Earth's orbit around the sun Short-term Mechanisms Changes in Albedo: Changes in the reflectivity of the Earth's surface, which can occur quickly overdecades. Changes in Greenhouse Gases: Changes in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which can also occur quickly. Albedo Definition: The measure of the reflectivity of a surface, ranging from 0 noreflection to 1 totalreflection. Examples: Snow: high albedo 0.8 − 0.9 Rocky soil: low albedo 0.1 − 0.2 Greenhouse Gases Definition: Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect. Examples: Carbon dioxide CO2 Methane CH4 Nitrous oxide N2O Greenhouse Gas Concentration in Atmosphere Heat Trapping Potential CO2 0.04% High CH4 0.0002% High N2O 0.00003% Medium Positive Feedback Loop Page 4  Created by Turbolearn AI Definition: A process where a change in the climate system leads to further changes that amplify the original effect. Example: Melting of snow and ice, which reduces the Earth's albedo and allows more solar radiation to be absorbed, leading to further warming.## Climate Change and Energy Balance Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Carbon Cycle Greenhouse gas emissions are associated with the following sectors: Industry Farms These sectors contribute to a net accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to climate change. Energy Balance and Climate Change Energy Balance: The balance between the amount of energy entering the Earth's atmosphere and the amount of energy leaving the atmosphere. The energy balance is influenced by greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. The current concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is higher than it has been in the past, with a significant increase in recent years. Climate Anomalies and Temperature Trends Climate Anomaly: A deviation from the average climate conditions for a particular region or time period. Climate anomalies can be measured by comparing temperature data to historical averages. Temperature anomalies tend to be higher and more frequent in recent years, indicating a warming trend. Temperature Anomaly Maps Page 5  Created by Turbolearn AI Temperature anomaly maps show the deviation from average temperatures for different regions of the world. These maps can be used to visualize the warming trend and identify areas that are experiencing more significant temperature changes. Simulating Climate Change Climate change computer programs can simulate the Earth's temperature change based on various factors, including greenhouse gas emissions and natural climate variability. These simulations can be used to predict future temperature trends and understand the impact of different factors on climate change. Attribution of Climate Change Factor Contribution to Climate Change Greenhouse gas emissions Significant contributor to climate change Natural climate variability Minimal contribution to climate change Milankovitch cycles No explanatory power for current climate change The data suggests that greenhouse gas emissions are the primary contributor to climate change, while natural climate variability and Milankovitch cycles have minimal or no explanatory power. Global Temperature Trends Time Period Global Temperature Change 1850-1900 Baseline period 1900-2020 Warming trend, with a significant increase in recent years The data shows a clear warming trend over the past century, with a significant increase in global temperatures in recent years. Page 6