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.