Oceanography Chapter 21

Which sphere contains the biggest carbon pool?

geosphere

What do ice core records show about the last 10,000 years of climate?

They show that climate has been relatively stable over the last 10,000 years.

When did global temperatures begin increasing noticeably?

Since the late 1800s (industrialization).

What types of data can be used to reconstruct paleoclimate?

Ice cores, sediment cores, tree rings, fossils, isotopes, and glacial deposits.

What astronomical factors can cause climate change?

Changes in solar radiation, sunspot cycles, bolide (meteor) impacts, and Milankovitch cycles.

How do sunspots affect climate?

More sunspots = slightly higher solar output → short-term warming.

How does ice vs. water differ in albedo?

Ice/snow has high albedo (reflects sunlight); liquid water has low albedo (absorbs heat).

How does water help regulate climate?

By storing heat and transporting it through ocean currents and the atmosphere.

Which two greenhouse gases containing carbon are in the atmosphere?

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) and CH₄ (methane).

Why is carbon important in the biosphere?

It’s the fundamental building block of life; most returns to the atmosphere, some gets buried.

How does the hydrosphere store carbon?

CO₂ dissolves into ocean water.

What is the largest carbon reservoir in the Earth system?

The geosphere (rocks, sediments).

Where are methane hydrates found?

In oceanic sediments and permafrost.

How does the position of continents affect climate?

Changes ocean circulation and heat transport → influences paleoclimate patterns.

How do slow spreading rates affect the carbon cycle?

Less volcanic CO₂ released → cooler global temperatures.

How do fast spreading rates affect the carbon cycle?

More volcanic CO₂ released → warmer global temperatures.

How have humans changed the carbon cycle? 

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes increase atmospheric CO₂.

What recent global changes have been observed?

Rising temperature, rising sea level, decreasing ocean pH (acidification), shrinking glaciers/ice.

What does the IPCC predict for future temperature and precipitation?

Higher global temperatures and more intense/wet precipitation patterns.

What does the IPCC predict for sea ice and sea level?

Sea ice will continue declining; sea level will continue rising.

What does the IPCC predict for future ocean pH? 

Continued decrease (more acidic).