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module 4 & 5
mod 4 & 5
the causes of global climate change enhanced greenhouse effect
the sun
greenhouse effect that warms the earth’s lower troposphere and surface because of the presence of greenhouse gases
oceans store CO2 and heat, evaporate and receive water, more stored heat to other parts of the world
natural cooling process through water vapor in the troposphere (heat rises)
global energy balance
the balance of incoming and outgoing radiative energy in the earth-atmosphere system
climate change: any chance in climate over time due to natural or human influences
radiative forcing: the influence a factor has on changing the global energy balance. positive forcing heats and negative cools. usually referred to based on a pre-industrial (pre-1750) benchmark
radiative feedback: any change in the environment leading to additional and enhanced changes in that system is the result of a positive mechanism. if a change in the environment leads to a compensating process that mitigates the change it is a negative feedback mechanism
Question 1
10/10
According to the IPCC 5th Assessment, how have human activities changed atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) to about 417 ppm in the last 150 or so years.
Correct answer
Atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased from 280 parts per million (ppm) to 300 ppm in the last 150 or so years
Atmospheric carbon dioxide has decreased from 280 parts per million (ppm) to 200 ppm in the last 150 or so years
Atmospheric carbon dioxide has stayed roughly constant in the last 150 or so years
Question 2
10/10
Based on ice core and atmospheric data, during what period in the past 800,000 years are the highest levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide observed?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
The Present
Correct answer
During the last Ice Age, approximately 20,000 years ago
During the last inter-glacial period, approximately 120,000 years ago
During the major interglacial of approximately 330,000 years ago
At the beginning of this core record, about 800,000 years ago
Question 3
10/10
Which of the following is NOT a sector of life that might be impacted in New England by climate change?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Bio-pharmaceutical industries like Jackson Labs
Correct answer
Infrastructure like storm sewer systems
Agriculture that is sensitive to heat stress like dairy cattle
Fisheries like lobster and shellfish that are sensitive to water temperature.
Question 4
10/10
What is different about atmospheric warming starting in the latter half of the 20th century compared with earlier parts of the current interglacial period that started about 11,700 years ago?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Recent warming is unequivocally the result of human activities.
Correct answer
Recent warming is slower than the warming that occurred prior to 1950.
Recent warming is happening because there is more water vapor in the atmosphere as compared with more carbon dioxide in early times.
Recent warming is caused by larger human populations breathing out more total carbon dioxide as part of their respiratory process.
Recent warming is caused by more shortwave reflecting off of larger ice cap areas.
Question 5
10/10
Which of the following is NOT a piece of evidence for rapid climate change described in the readings (including book and websites)?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
The fact that it snowed in Connecticut on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
Correct answer
The Earth's average atmospheric temperature has increased by about 2 degrees F since the late 19th century.
The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets drammatically decreased in mass between 1993 and 2019.
Global sea level rose about 8 inches in the last century and that rise is accelerating.
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the acidity of surface ocean waters has increased by about 30%.
Question 6
10/10
Why does Venus have a stronger greenhouse effect than Earth?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Venus has about 154,000 times as much carbon dioxide in its atmosphere as Earth.
Correct answer
Venus has a surface temperature hot enough to melt lead.
Venus has about 19,000 times more carbon dioxide in its atmosphere than Mars.
Venus is farther from the Sun so it needs more greenhouse effect to keep it warm.
Venus has clouds that make it harder to see.
Question 7
10/10
What is one impact of climate change that might actually benefit northeastern farmers as they adapt to climate change?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Longer growing seasons
Correct answer
Added heat stress on crops
More droughts toward the end of summer
More expensive and less available seeds that are stress-tolerant
Question 8
10/10
Which of the following is a factor in many communities in the Northeast that makes populations more vulnerable to climate change?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Aging infrastructure
Correct answer
New, high-tech industries
Large number of defense-industry contractors
Universal, public access to beaches
Question 9
10/10
How have changes in incoming radiation from the Sun played a role in climate change since 1980?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Incoming solar radiation actually stayed roughly level, then decreased, since 1880, indicating cooling should be happening in a natural system.
Correct answer
Incoming solar radiation increased since 1880, indicating warming is largely the result of natural processes.
Incoming solar radiation doesn't play a role in the overall heating or cooling of the atmosphere.
Incoming solar radiation decreased sharply since 1880, which is why we have cooler winters than we used to.
Incoming solar radiation increased since 1880, further exacerbating the impacts of greenhouse gases.
Question 10
10/10
In the absence of human intervention, in the form of releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, what would we observe in the atmosphere?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Natural cooling of temperatures
Correct answer
Natural decrease in the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere.
Natural increase in temperatures due to sunspot activity
Natural increase in precipitation
Question 11
10/10
Which of the following is NOT a major gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Nitrogen gas
Correct answer
Water vapor
Carbon dioxide
Methane
Nitrous oxide
Question 12
10/10
Which of the following is NOT a likely challenge the northeast US faces as a result of a changing climate?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Melting permafrost leading to additional emissions of methane.
Correct answer
Heat waves
Heavy downpours in rainstorms
Rising sea levels threatening coastal communities
Compromised infrastructure and ecosystems
Question 13
10/10
Which of the following is NOT a source of evidence for ancient changes in greenhouse gas concentrations?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Satellite images of the current concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Correct answer
Ice cores from ice sheets and mountain glaciers.
Tree rings
Coral reefs
Ocean sediments
Question 14
10/10
Which of the following is NOT a likely health problem that will be exacerbated by warming in the Northeast?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Kidney failure increase by 30% from polluted water
Correct answer
50-91% increase in heat-related deaths in Manhattan
Increase of 13 to 27 days in the ragweed pollen season at latitudes above 44°N.
Tick activity and Lyme disease incidence will increase due to climate, specifically because of abundant late spring and early summer moisture.
In the Mid-Atlantic part of the region, estimates suggest that between 450,000 and 2.3 million people are at risk of flooding and property damage from a three foot sea level rise.
Question 15
0/10
According to the low-emissions scenario, about how many high-heat days (> 90 degrees F) might the Hartford region (north central CT) expect in a year?
Hide answer choices
0
10
Correct:
20
Correct answer
40
Correct answer
70
Question 16
10/10
Which of the following is NOT an observed climate change that has occurred in the Northeastern US since 1895?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Hurricanes have decreased in intensity by 12%.
Correct answer
Temperatures have increased by almost 2%.
Precipitation has increased by almost 5 inches per year.
Sea level has risen by almost one foot and caused coastal flooding.
More than 70% increase in rainfall during the heaviest events.
Question 1
10/10
Which of these gases is the largest contributor to the natural greenhouse effect in our atmosphere?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Water vapor
Correct answer
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Monoxide
Methane
Chlorofluorocarbon
Question 2
10/10
Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback in the climate system?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Decrease of arctic sea ice
Correct answer
Burning more coal to produce energy
Growing more food in marginal regions
Consumerism increasing the need for more energy
Question 3
10/10
Which of the following is the best explanation of what the Earth would be like if there were no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and therefore no natural greenhouse effect?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Surface temperatures would be much colder because there would be no greenhouse gases trapping long-wave radiation being emitted from the Earth’s surface.
Correct answer
Life as we know it would not exist because there would be no oxygen to breathe.
Atmospheric pressure at the surface would be dramatically lower because greenhouse gases make up a large percentage of the atmosphere’s composition.
At the surface, the Earth would be much warmer than it is under present conditions because there would be fewer clouds reflecting incoming solar radiation into space.
Surface temperatures at high latitudes would be much colder because greenhouse gases scatter blue light from the equator to the higher latitudes.
Question 4
10/10
Climate over the past 2 million years has
Hide answer choices
Correct:
shifted between warm and cool periods.
Correct answer
stayed the same.
become progressively cooler.
become progressively warmer.
Question 5
10/10
Which of the following is a way in which people might mitigate climate change?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from transportation by switching from fossil fuel-burning power plants to renewable energy generation from sources like solar and wind
Correct answer
Move vulnerable populations to higher elevations near coasts to avoid flooding from sea level rise
Adjust crop species grown in the midwest to account for increased temperatures and likelihood of drought
Increase capacity of stormdrain infrastructure to accommodate large possible floods during extreme rainfall events like hurricanes on the Gulf Coast
Require homes near dry forests in the semiarid west to be surrounded by a protective buffer of open space and have tile roofs to protect from wild fires
Question 6
10/10
What gas in the atmosphere prevents most of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the surface?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Stratospheric Ozone
Correct answer
Tropospheric Carbon Dioxide
Stratospheric Water Vapor
Mesospheric Nitrogen
Tropospheric Methane
Question 7
10/10
Which of the following best defines climate?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
The average of weather conditions over a long period of time
Correct answer
A comprehensive statistical analysis of individual weather events in a specific place or region
Identical to the definition of meteorology
The weather occurring in the atmosphere at a specific place and time
The weather that is predicted to occur a week out
Question 8
10/10
According to the global warming bathtub model, which of the following is a natural source of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Active volcanoes
Correct answer
Fossil fuels burned for electricity generation
Forests cleared by burning in the tropics for agricultural land
Cement production facilities
Plants that photosynthesize and pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Question 9
10/10
Which of the following is NOT one of the approaches society might use to manage global warming and its impacts?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Increasing economic growth by subsidizing energy production from sources like coal
Correct answer
Adapt to climate change by building sea walls
Reducing carbon dioxide by adopting more renewable energy sources
Actively regulating carbon dioxide through “geoengineering”
Sequestering carbon dioxide in the deep ocean
Question 10
10/10
Which of the following is NOT a component of the Greenhouse Effect?
Hide answer choices
Correct:
Growth of winter vegetables in shelters
Correct answer
Incoming solar radiation
Absorption of radiation by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Answer Removed -- Do not use this one
Re-radiation of longwave radiation from greenhouse gases back to the surface
Page 27: CO2 Levels Update
Current Data:
As of February 8th, 2022, CO2 levels recorded at 418.19 ppm.
Page 28: Increase in Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases
Historical Data Summary:
Comparison of pre-industrial and current levels of major greenhouse gases.
Page 29: Greenhouse Gas Concentrations Over Time
Graphical representation of atmospheric changes over decades for CO2, N2O, and CH4.
Page 30: Major Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source
Percentages of Global Emission Contribution:
CO2 from fossil fuels and deforestation
Methane emissions from agriculture
N2O emissions from agriculture and other sources
Page 31: Contributions by Greenhouse Gases to Global Warming
Breakdown of greenhouse gas contributions to atmosphere with some variation in attribution.
Page 32: Understanding Greenhouse Gas Lifetimes
Differentiation of gases based on atmospheric lifetime and potential impact.
Page 33: Impact of Select Greenhouse Gases on Global Warming
Summary of GWP:
Analysis of how various greenhouse gases compare regarding lifetime and warming potential.
Page 34: GWP and Radiative Efficiency Analysis
Comprehensive GWP comparisons for several greenhouse gases.
Page 35: Additional Greenhouse Gases and Their Properties
Overview of CFCs and their long atmospheric lifetimes.
Page 36: Environmental Impact of HFCs in Aerosol Sprays
Role of HFCs in GHG emissions amidst existing products.
Page 37: Aerosol Effects on Atmosphere
Discussion of how certain aerosols cool the atmosphere effectively.
Page 38: Real-World Examples of Climate Effects
Instances demonstrating climate impact due to sudden changes in human activity.
Page 39: Atmosphere as a Bathtub Analogy
Carbon Dioxide Capacity:
Acquisition and absorption of CO2 through various natural and anthropogenic activities.
Page 40: Case Study: Volcano and Climate Effects
How volcanic eruptions can model average temperature shifts post-explosion.
Page 41: Climate Models Overview
Methodology on how Earth's climate is modeled using grids and data fed to computers.
Page 42: Climate Simulation Techniques
Steps to develop climate models by dividing the planet into grids.
Page 43: IPCC Climate Scenarios
Projected Future:
Scenarios delineating different levels of emissions and their temperature impact through the century.
Page 44: Global Warming Projections
Expected temperature changes for different emission scenarios stated by IPCC.
Page 45: Poll Question on Temperature Influences
Understanding the conditions leading to the coldest temperatures during winter.
Page 46: Pre-1750 Atmospheric Model
Explanation of CO2 balance in the atmosphere before increased anthropogenic emissions.
Page 47: 20th Century Atmospheric Model
Balance shift due to anthropogenic factors, where inputs exceed outputs.
Page 48: Changes Over Time in Atmospheric Capacity
Discussion on how natural systems adapt but struggle with increased anthropogenic inputs.
Page 49: Present Day Carbon Dynamics
Insights into the current trajectory of CO2 levels and atmospheric contributions.
Page 50: Maintaining Atmospheric Temperature
Equilibrium requirement between greenhouse gas inputs and absorption outputs to sustain temperatures.
Page 51: Implications of Current Trends
Key Notes:
Atmospheric temperature-related factors affecting the dynamics of greenhouse gas management.
Page 52: Clicker Question on Greenhouse Gases
Distinguishing features amongst major greenhouse gases with a focus on CO2.
Page 53: Continuing the Clicker Question
Reiteration and deeper exploration of greenhouse gases and their properties.
Page 54: Effects of Global Warming
Potential impacts emphasizing equal effects but magnified challenges for tropical regions.
Page 55: Northeast Temperature Changes
Climate report specific to the Northeast U.S. and its temperature trends.
Page 56: Increasing Extreme Temperatures in Hartford
Historical temperature increase analysis in Hartford region.
Page 57: Extreme Heat Trends in Lower 48 States
Overview of the increased occurrences of record high temperatures.
Page 58: Arctic Ice Cap Melting
Key Points:
Notable decrease in Arctic sea ice with particular concern for multi-year ice loss.
Page 59: Historical Glacial Changes
Impacts of climate change visually depicted through glacier photos over time.
Page 60: Assessing Glacier Health
Mass balance analysis overview emphasizing the loss of glacial ice in the U.S.
Page 61: Global Climate Change Effects
Impacts:
Focus on melting ice and related global climate change effects.
Page 62: Rising Sea Levels
Highlighting ongoing rise in sea levels and accompanying climate governance challenges.
Page 63: NE Climate Assessment Overview
Discussion of climate impacts in the Northeast U.S., emphasizing severity.
Page 64: Sea Level Changes
Historical Context:
Overview of sea-level changes relative to land movement in specific U.S. regions.
Page 65: Increased Flooding in Boston
Flood impact assessments in response to changing climate conditions in the Boston area.
Page 66: Precipitation Change Patterns
Documented variations in precipitation patterns in the U.S. over the last century.
Page 67: Precipitation & Flooding Correlation
Evidence demonstrating increased episodes of heavy rainfall leading to flooding.
Page 68: Seasonal Climate Shifts
Predicted future impacts on summer heat index in the Tri-State region.
Page 69: Seasonal Changes in the Northeast
Overview of shifting seasonal patterns based on regional assessments.
Page 70: Effects of Global Change on Tree Ranges
Analysis of how tree species’ ranges may shift as climate alters.
Page 71: Biodiversity Changes
Impact:
Increased extinction rates linked to climate change alterations.
Page 72: Predictive Climate Modeling Factors
Evaluation of inputs contributing to climate change predictive models.
Page 73: Oceanic Responses to Climate Change
Key Points:
Ocean acidification and coral reef bleaching connected to higher temperatures.
Page 74: Photosynthesis and CO2 Dynamics
Key Observations:
CO2's role in photosynthesis and its subsequent environmental implications.
Page 75: Growth Season Changes
Extension of the growing season and its effects on ecology and agriculture.
Page 76: Health Consequences of Climate Change
Increase in various heat-related diseases due to climate alterations.
Page 77: Predictions for Future Climate Effects
Anticipated Changes:
A list of potential future climate impacts outlined in the following sections.
Page 78: Unforeseen Climate Events
Possibility of major disruptions such as ocean conveyor belt changes.
Page 79: Positive Feedback Mechanisms
Factors Contributing to Warming:
Role of polar ice and Arctic tundra dynamics in climate feedback processes.
Page 80: Climate Feedback Loops
Other Areas for Consideration:
Boreal forest dynamics and their contribution to atmospheric changes.
Page 81: Ocean Feedback Loops
Implications of warmer oceans and methane emissions in global warming feedback loops.
Page 82: Negative Feedback Mechanisms
Key Features:
Describing radiation impacts as a feedback mechanism.
Page 83: Uncertain Feedback Mechanisms
Considerations:
The complexities surrounding evaporation and aerosols and their roles.
Page 84: International Climate Change Disparities
CO2 emissions comparisons between developed and developing nations.
Page 85: Global CO2 Emissions Data
Analysis:
Examination of carbon emissions by countries based on per capita usage.
Page 86: Urgency of CO2 Reduction
Need for rapid CO2 emissions reductions to avert long-term consequences.
Page 87: Climate Change Response Recommendations
Two Pathways:
More mitigation => serious climate change effects.
Less mitigation => lesser impacts and adaptability.
Page 88: Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
Overview of strategies to manage changing climates and their impacts.
Page 89: Mitigation Strategies for Climate Change
Recommendations:
Alternative energy sources and carbon sequestration methods.
Page 90: Adaptation Plans
Shifts required in population centers, agriculture, and infrastructure responses.
Page 91: Clicker Question on Climate Feedbacks
Evaluating effects of various climate feedbacks on greenhouse gas behavior.
Page 92: Global Warming Skepticism
Arguments Made:
List of skeptic arguments against global warming and their counter-arguments.
Page 93: Ozone Layer Overview
Structure and function of the ozone layer in atmospheric protection.
Page 94: Ozone Absorption Properties
Breakdown:
Description of ozone at varying altitudes and its UV radiation absorption capabilities.
Page 95: Ozone Layer Thinning
Threats:
Understanding the implications of reduced ozone levels.
Page 96: CFCs and Ozone Depletion
Overview of CFCs and other pollutants contributing to ozone layer depletion.
Page 97: Benefits of CFCs
Industries Utilizing CFCs:
Uses ranging from refrigeration to cleaning agents.
Page 98: Health Risks from Ozone Layer Depletion
Potential increase in skin cancer incidences linked to ozone depletion.
Page 99: Ozone Recovery Efforts
Response Initiatives:
Montreal Protocol outcomes and continuing challenges related to CFC smuggling.
Page 100: Future Adaptations Required
Identifying proactive adaptation requirements for pending climate changes.
Introduction to Polling on Climate Change
Purpose: Gather anonymous thoughts on climate change.
Public Poll on Climate Change
Question: Do you think that climate is changing/warming?
Possible Answers: Yes, I don't know enough, No.
Extended Poll Questions
Climate Change Beliefs:
Do you believe that humans are causing global warming?
Possible Answers: Yes, I don’t know enough, No.
Public Opinion Estimates, US, 2023
Key Statistics:
Global warming is happening: 56% Yes, 44% No.
Global warming is caused mostly by human activities: Majority agree.
Impact on voting behavior: 58% say a candidate's views on global warming are important.
Summary of U.S. Attitudes on Global Warming (2016 - 2021)
Key Trends:
Major beliefs:
% Caused by human activities: 61%
% Effects have already begun: 61%
% Worried a great deal about it: 54%
% Will pose a serious threat in own lifetime: 50%
Party ID impact on beliefs: Republicans, Independents, Democrats yield differing views.
Estimated Beliefs on Global Warming (2023)
National average: 72% believe global warming is happening.
Map depicting state-by-state perceptions on global warming.
Weather vs. Climate
Definitions:
Weather: Atmospheric conditions at a specific place and time.
Climate: Average weather conditions over hundreds/thousands of years.
Factors:
Significant Influencers: Temperature and Precipitation.
Clarification: Difference between global warming and climate change.
Climate Diversity
Earth hosts multiple climates.
Organisms adapted to specific climate conditions.
Energy Conservation Tips
Recommendations:
Check for leaks: Seal windows to reduce heat escape.
Tools: Use incense to detect drafts.
Global Temperature Anomaly (1880-2021)
Observations:
Trends show increasing mean annual global surface temperature over 140 years.
Increasing Global Temperatures
Key Indicators:
Spring arriving earlier, autumn later.
More frequent heat waves in the U.S.
Global Temperature Change
Overview:
Anomalous temperature trends for continents compared to global averages throughout the years.
Historical Climate Data
Temperature Trends:
Average temperatures over the past 900,000 years compared to recent changes.
Methods to Determine Past Temperatures
Techniques: Ice cores reveal ancient atmospheric composition, temperature trends, greenhouse gas concentrations.
CO2 Levels History (2005 Ice Core Data)
Display of historic CO2 levels indicating the highest in 650,000 years.
Correlation of Global Temperature and CO2 levels
Trends:
Rising temperatures linked directly to increased CO2 concentrations.
Future Projections for CO2 Levels
Projections based on modeled emissions for potential future climate scenarios.
Paleoclimate Tools
Techniques Used: Ice cores, tree rings, pollen studies, charcoal, middens, and cosmogenic dating.
Clicker Question on Temperature Variation
Analyzing temperature variations considering geographical differences.
Items You Can Do to Combat Climate Change
Benefits of walking: Saves money, reduces pollution, promotes health.
Finding Walkable Communities
Suggestions for lifestyle adjustments to promote walking or biking.
Clicker Question on Paleoclimate Tools
Identify methods for assessing past climates.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect Overview
Interaction of sunlight and CO2's heat retention effects.
Natural Greenhouse Effect
Factors Influencing Earth's Climate:
Sunlight
Greenhouse gases
Oceans as CO2 reservoirs.
Global Energy Balance
Concepts:
Definitions: Climate Change, Radiative Forcing, and Feedback Mechanisms.
Radiative Forcing Analysis
Emissions Categories:
Breakdown of natural and anthropogenic contributions to radiative forcing with confidence levels.
CO2 Levels Update
Current Data:
As of February 8th, 2022, CO2 levels recorded at 418.19 ppm.
Increase in Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases
Historical Data Summary:
Comparison of pre-industrial and current levels of major greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse Gas Concentrations Over Time
Graphical representation: Atmospheric changes over decades for CO2, N2O, and CH4.
Major Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source
Percentages of Global Emission Contribution:
CO2 from fossil fuels and deforestation
Methane emissions from agriculture
N2O emissions from agriculture and other sources.
Contributions by Greenhouse Gases to Global Warming
Breakdown of greenhouse gas contributions to atmosphere with some variation in attribution.
Understanding Greenhouse Gas Lifetimes
Differentiation of gases based on atmospheric lifetime and potential impact.
Impact of Select Greenhouse Gases on Global Warming
Summary of GWP: Analysis of how various greenhouse gases compare regarding lifetime and warming potential.
GWP and Radiative Efficiency Analysis
Comprehensive GWP comparisons for several greenhouse gases.
Additional Greenhouse Gases and Their Properties
Overview of CFCs and their long atmospheric lifetimes.
Environmental Impact of HFCs in Aerosol Sprays
Role of HFCs in GHG emissions amidst existing products.
Aerosol Effects on Atmosphere
Discussion of how certain aerosols cool the atmosphere effectively.
Real-World Examples of Climate Effects
Instances demonstrating climate impact due to sudden changes in human activity.
Atmosphere as a Bathtub Analogy
Carbon Dioxide Capacity:
Acquisition and absorption of CO2 through various natural and anthropogenic activities.
Case Study: Volcano and Climate Effects
How volcanic eruptions can model average temperature shifts post-explosion.
Climate Models Overview
Methodology on how Earth's climate is modeled using grids and data fed to computers.
Climate Simulation Techniques
Steps to develop climate models by dividing the planet into grids.
IPCC Climate Scenarios
Projected Future:
Scenarios delineating different levels of emissions and their temperature impact through the century.
Global Warming Projections
Expected temperature changes for different emission scenarios stated by IPCC.
Poll Question on Temperature Influences
Understanding the conditions leading to the coldest temperatures during winter.
Pre-1750 Atmospheric Model
Explanation of CO2 balance in the atmosphere before increased anthropogenic emissions.
20th Century Atmospheric Model
Balance shift due to anthropogenic factors, where inputs exceed outputs.
Changes Over Time in Atmospheric Capacity
Discussion on how natural systems adapt but struggle with increased anthropogenic inputs.
Present Day Carbon Dynamics
Insights into the current trajectory of CO2 levels and atmospheric contributions.
Maintaining Atmospheric Temperature
Equilibrium requirement between greenhouse gas inputs and absorption outputs to sustain temperatures.
Implications of Current Trends
Key Notes:
Atmospheric temperature-related factors affecting the dynamics of greenhouse gas management.
Clicker Question on Greenhouse Gases
Distinguishing features amongst major greenhouse gases with a focus on CO2.
Continuing the Clicker Question
Reiteration and deeper exploration of greenhouse gases and their properties.
Effects of Global Warming
Potential impacts emphasizing equal effects but magnified challenges for tropical regions.
Northeast Temperature Changes
Climate report specific to the Northeast U.S. and its temperature trends.
Increasing Extreme Temperatures in Hartford
Historical temperature increase analysis in Hartford region.
Extreme Heat Trends in Lower 48 States
Overview of the increased occurrences of record high temperatures.
Arctic Ice Cap Melting
Key Points:
Notable decrease in Arctic sea ice with particular concern for multi-year ice loss.
Historical Glacial Changes
Impacts of climate change visually depicted through glacier photos over time.
Assessing Glacier Health
Mass balance analysis overview: Emphasizing the loss of glacial ice in the U.S.
Global Climate Change Effects
Impacts:
Focus on melting ice and related global climate change effects.
Rising Sea Levels
Highlighting ongoing rise in sea levels and accompanying climate governance challenges.
NE Climate Assessment Overview
Discussion of climate impacts in the Northeast U.S., emphasizing severity.
Sea Level Changes
Historical Context:
Overview of sea-level changes relative to land movement in specific U.S. regions.
Increased Flooding in Boston
Flood impact assessments in response to changing climate conditions in the Boston area.
Precipitation Change Patterns
Documented variations in precipitation patterns in the U.S. over the last century.
Precipitation & Flooding Correlation
Evidence demonstrating increased episodes of heavy rainfall leading to flooding.
Seasonal Climate Shifts
Predicted future impacts on summer heat index in the Tri-State region.
Seasonal Changes in the Northeast
Overview of shifting seasonal patterns based on regional assessments.
Effects of Global Change on Tree Ranges
Analysis of how tree species’ ranges may shift as climate alters.
Biodiversity Changes
Impact:
Increased extinction rates linked to climate change alterations.
Predictive Climate Modeling Factors
Evaluation of inputs contributing to climate change predictive models.
Oceanic Responses to Climate Change
Key Points:
Ocean acidification and coral reef bleaching connected to higher temperatures.
Photosynthesis and CO2 Dynamics
Key Observations:
CO2's role in photosynthesis and its subsequent environmental implications.
Growth Season Changes
Extension of the growing season and its effects on ecology and agriculture.
Health Consequences of Climate Change
Increase in various heat-related diseases due to climate alterations.
Predictions for Future Climate Effects
Anticipated Changes:
A list of potential future climate impacts outlined in the following sections.
Unforeseen Climate Events
Possibility of major disruptions such as ocean conveyor belt changes.
Positive Feedback Mechanisms
Factors Contributing to Warming:
Role of polar ice and Arctic tundra dynamics in climate feedback processes.
Climate Feedback Loops
Other Areas for Consideration:
Boreal forest dynamics and their contribution to atmospheric changes.
Ocean Feedback Loops
Implications of warmer oceans:
Methane emissions in global warming feedback loops.
Negative Feedback Mechanisms
Key Features:
Describing radiation impacts as a feedback mechanism.
Uncertain Feedback Mechanisms
Considerations:
The complexities surrounding evaporation and aerosols and their roles.
International Climate Change Disparities
CO2 emissions comparisons between developed and developing nations.
Global CO2 Emissions Data
Analysis:
Examination of carbon emissions by countries based on per capita usage.
Urgency of CO2 Reduction
Need for rapid CO2 emissions reductions to avert long-term consequences.
Climate Change Response Recommendations
Two Pathways:
More mitigation => serious climate change effects.
Less mitigation => lesser impacts and adaptability.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
Overview of strategies to manage changing climates and their impacts.
Mitigation Strategies for Climate Change
Recommendations:
Alternative energy sources and carbon sequestration methods.
Adaptation Plans
Shifts required in population centers, agriculture, and infrastructure responses.
Clicker Question on Climate Feedbacks
Evaluating effects of various climate feedbacks on greenhouse gas behavior.
Global Warming Skepticism
Arguments Made:
A list of skeptic arguments against global warming and their counter-arguments.
Ozone Layer Overview
Structure and function of the ozone layer in atmospheric protection.
Ozone Absorption Properties
Breakdown:
Description of ozone at varying altitudes and its UV radiation absorption capabilities.
Ozone Layer Thinning
Threats:
Understanding the implications of reduced ozone levels.
CFCs and Ozone Depletion
Overview of CFCs and other pollutants contributing to ozone layer depletion.
Benefits of CFCs
Industries Utilizing CFCs:
Uses ranging from refrigeration to cleaning agents.
Health Risks from Ozone Layer Depletion
Potential increase in skin cancer incidences linked to ozone depletion.
Ozone Recovery Efforts
Response Initiatives:
Montreal Protocol outcomes and continuing challenges related to CFC smuggling.
Future Adaptations Required
Identifying proactive adaptation requirements for pending climate changes.
enhanced greenhouse effect: occurs due to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
greenhouse gases: gases such as carbon dioxide (co2), methane (ch4), nitrogen oxides (n2o), and fluorinated gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
global energy balance: equilibrium between incoming solar radiation absorbed by the earth and outgoing thermal radiation emitted back to space.
natural cooling process: oceans regulate climate by storing co2 and heat, influencing weather and climate patterns.
climate change: significant and lasting changes in the earth's climate attributed to human activities.
radiative forcing: measures the influence of various factors on the energy balance of the earth-atmosphere system.
radiative feedback: interactions that can amplify or dampen climate change effects, categorized as positive or negative feedback mechanisms.
anthropogenic influences: human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation that increase greenhouse gas concentrations.
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