1.7 - CC Hydrological/Ecosystem/Climate Effects Flashcards
How has arctic temperature changed?
Increased at double global average for last 200 years
Effect on temperature on ice shelves?
Melt - release methane, increase freshwater reducing salt concentration and density
Consequence of ice shelves melting due to decreased salinity
Decreased density means thermohaline circulation moves slower, altering oceans’ heat transfer
Effect on tropical and subtropical zones
Stronger storm intensity due to more heat energy and moisture, stronger westerly winds
How will (LP) depressions change?
Shift northwards to higher latitudes sand decrease in lower latitudes
What arctic and Antarctic fauna will be affected?
Polar bears, various, lemmings
10% land species face extinction due to habitat changes
What will happen to permafrost?
Will thaw in tundra, adding water to arctic river (this is ST) therefore ocean
How will habitats shift?
Northwards e.g. more trees in the tundra increasing carbon storage there
Effect on coral reefs?
80% will be bleached, fish migrate away
Effect on Mediterranean climate rain
High pressure areas shift north so 20-30% less water availability
More precipitation will be where
Over northern hemisphere lands
Effects on flash flooding
More common e.g. T and T
