5 Gold Qs

Question 1

How has the average global surface temperature on the earth ever been as warm as it is now?

Answer 1

Yes, there were warmer periods, such as the Neoproterozoic geologic period. The concern now is that it is warming too quickly

Question 2

Describe the types of variables in mathematical models scientists use to predict future average global surface temperature changes

Answer 2

Amount of permafrost melting
Ocean currents
Amount of land cover Reflecting and absorbing Solar energy
Solar cycles
Orbital cycles
Cloud cover

Question 3

Explain the positive feedback created by the melting of permafrost

Answer 3

Permafrost is a soil that is frozen for at least 2 years straight. The melting of permafrost release a lot of greenhouse gases like CO2 and Methane, which will cause the earth to heat up and then cause more permafrost to thaw. (creating a positive feedback loop

Question 4

Explain how the Milankovitch Cycle affects global climate

Answer 4

The Milankovitch Cycle includes, Eccentricity (Subtle changes in orbital path ( every 100,000 yrs); Obliquity (Change of tilt of axis (every 40,000 yrs) and Precession (wobbling around the axis (every 25000 years) The cycle examines how these factors of Earth’s movement affect the amount of solar energy touches the top of Earth. Therefore, demonstrating how these variables affect the global climate

Question 5

Describe ecological succession after a new nieghborbood is built

Answer 5

Initial lost of biodiversity
Bring in non-native species (plants)

Some biodiversity returns as neighborhood ages

Some more biodiversity with Bio-reconccilulation
However, never returns to previous levels

Home owners continue to fight succession (mowing laws, weeding, removing unwanted animals)

If they stop, nature will eventually reclaim the area