Overview_ Climate Change

Overview of Climate Change

  • Key Concepts

    • Weather vs. Climate:

      • Weather: Snapshot of atmospheric conditions at a specific location.

      • Climate: Long-term pattern of weather conditions in a region.

    • Components of the Atmosphere:

      • Air is composed of a mixture of gases and aerosols (solid and liquid particles).

    • Seasons:

      • Result from changes in the Earth’s axial tilt, affecting the distribution of direct solar radiation throughout the year.

Heat and Temperature

  • Definitions:

    • Heat: Amount of energy contained in a material.

    • Temperature: Measurement of intensity or vibration of the material.

  • Heat Transfer Mechanisms:

    • Conduction: Direct transfer of heat between materials in contact.

    • Convection: Transfer of heat by the physical movement of fluid.

    • Radiation: Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

  • Sun's Energy Distribution:

    • 50% of solar energy reaches the Earth's surface.

    • 30% is reflected back to space.

    • 20% is absorbed selectively by the atmosphere.

Course Objectives

  • Course Level Objectives:

    1. Identify components and explain processes involved in climate change (CO 9).

Module Level Objectives

  1. Climate System Components:

    • List five parts of the climate system and provide examples for each (CO 9).

  2. Importance of Classification:

    • Explain why classification is essential in studying world climates.

    • Describe criteria used in the Köppen system of climate classification (CO 9).

  3. Climate Classification Systems:

    • Distinguish between various climate classification systems (CO 9).

  4. Atmospheric Changes:

    • Summarize the nature and causes of changes in the atmosphere's composition since 1750 (CO 9).

  5. Feedback Mechanisms:

    • Contrast positive and negative feedback mechanisms with examples (CO 9).

  6. Consequences of Global Warming:

    • Summarize potential consequences of global warming (CO 9).

To-Do List

  • Read Chapter 20, Foundations of Earth Science (MLOs 1-6 of Mod 10).

  • View the Lecture Presentation (MLOs 1-6 of Mod 10).

  • Complete Pearson Global Climate Change Reading Quiz (MLOs 1-3 of Mod 10).

  • Engage in Pearson Global Climate Change Lab Activity (MLOs 1-6 of Mod 10).

  • Participate in Discussion: Global Climate Change (MLOs 4-6 of Mod 10).