CA_Chem_Inv12 (1)
Instructional Segment 4: The Chemistry of Climate Change
Why Are We Seeing More Extreme Weather?
Extreme weather events are on the rise, leading to increased frequency and severity.
Misconception: It is commonly thought that cold weather events will decrease with climate change.
Inquiry Launch
Discussion Prompt: Analyze the impact of extreme weather, such as blizzards, in future scenarios and propose explanations.
The phenomenon is explored through videos and problem-based learning.
Investigation 12: Weather and Climate
Investigative Phenomenon
Online resources engage with real-world phenomena, focusing on California drought causes.
Reflection is required on how various factors increase drought likelihood.
Stability and Change Feedbacks
Feedback mechanisms can either stabilize or destabilize climate systems and can result in extreme weather events like floods or droughts.
Two main factors affecting California’s climate stability are to be identified, along with their effects.
Earth’s Surface Systems
Flow of Energy in Earth Systems
Processes in the earth's geologic system are driven by two main energy flows:
Electromagnetic Radiation from the Sun: Powers weather and ocean currents.
Heat from Earth’s Interior: Primarily from radioactive decay of isotopes, driving tectonic activity.
Solar Radiation
Energy from the sun powers water cycles and land erosion, stabilizing weather patterns.
Energy outflow and inflow directly affect overall temperature regulation.
Water in the Hydrosphere
Reservoirs of Water
Substantial differences in water storage across reservoirs:
Oceans: 1,370,000 km³, residence time of about 3100 years.
Glaciers: 29,000 km³, residence time of 16,000 years.
Atmosphere: Only 14 km³ with a short residence time of 9 days.
Biogeochemical Cycles
Vital elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycle through various reservoirs, impacting ecological health.
Residence Time: Length of time an element remains in a particular reservoir, closely related to the size of the reservoir.
The Water Cycle
Processes Overshadowing Cycles
Processes initiated by energy from the sun dominate:
Evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
Gravity influences water flow back to the surface.
Carbon Cycle Dynamics
Understanding Carbon's Pathways
The carbon cycle includes reservoirs with various carbon storage levels:
Atmosphere: ~865 billion tons of carbon.
Ocean C sediments and Fossil Fuels: Long-term storage for millions of years.
Rock Cycle Interactions
Processes Interchanging Rock Types
Rock types interchange through:
Erosion: Breaks rocks into sediment.
Sedimentation: Compacts and cements sediments into rocks.
Metamorphism: Alters rocks chemically or physically under heat and pressure.
Feedback Mechanisms
Understanding Positive vs. Negative Feedbacks
Reinforcing Feedback: Amplifies changes, possibly leading to extreme weather patterns.
Counterbalancing Feedback: Acts to stabilize the climate system, maintaining equilibrium.
Glacier and Sea Ice Feedbacks
Effects of Climate Change on Ice Caps
As glaciers melt, land underneath gets exposed, absorbing more sunlight and exacerbating warming.
The feedback loop contributes to faster ice melt and increased sea level.
Climate Forcings and Human Impact
Anthropogenic Factors Contributing to Climate Change
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels increase greenhouse gases, driving global warming trends.
Effective legislation has targeted pollution reduction but continued effort is needed to maintain atmospheric quality.
Climate Variability and Weather Patterns
Understanding past climate events informs present conditions; historical correlations show links between weather fluctuations and human development.
Conclusion
Reassessing Human Influence
Climate data collated highlights significant anthropogenic impacts, indicating urgent need for corrective measures to mitigate climate change.
Continuous investigation of climate impacts and feedback mechanisms fosters a deeper understanding of evolving environmental conditions.