Atmospheric impacts on food security

Question 1

how do rainfall and radiation effect crops?

Answer 1

low rainfall limits accumulation of biomass and therefore yield. If rain fall is high and radiation is low, this then becomes a limiting factor. plants need constant supplies of moisture not just intense bursts

Question 2

As mean temperatures rise, what happens to the maturity date of crops (all other things being equal), and what does this mean for yield?

Answer 2

Crops mature earlier and yield is lower.

Question 3

What is the observed basis of the southern oscillation index?

Answer 3

Pressure anomaly over Pacific is anti-correlated between Tahiti and Darwin

Question 4

To what other major phenomenon is the SOI related?

Answer 4

It correlates very well with the Niño3.4 index - hence the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

Question 5

What does climate-smart agriculture try to achieve?

Answer 5

Increasing productivity; adaptation to climate change; reductions in ghg emissions (mitigation)

Question 6

what does SOI stand for

Answer 6

Southern Oscillation Index