Causes Of Climate Change Flashcards
State 4 physical causes of climate change
Energy emission by the sun(sunspots)
Meteorite impact
Volcanic activity
Melting permafrost
Explain energy emission by the sun
Extra activity by the sun is due to sunspots that appear on its surface as darker patches. The frequency and intensity of sunspot activity varies around an 11 year cycle and is also linked to the suns 100 year cycle of brightness and strength. Periods of high sunspot activity results in increased brightness and more energy being released and received by the earth.
Explain meteorite impact
The additional particles can block, reflect or scatter sunlight which can block solar radiation from earth creating a global winter. Additional particles can also contribute to widespread rainfall, affecting water supplies and natural vegetation. Additional carbon dioxide can increase the greenhouse effect leading to global warming.
Explain volcanic activity
Explosive volcanic eruptions eject large quantities of material into the atmosphere again blocking, reflecting or scattering insulation. The emission of sulphur dioxide combined with oxygen to form sulphuric acid. This forms a dense layer of haze which can remain in the stratosphere for a number of years, again intercepting incoming solar radiation creating a global cooling period.
Explain melting permafrost
When permafrost melts, methane which is trapped is released into the environment. This then adds to the greenhouse gas layer.
State 4 human causes of climate change
Industry
Impact of deforestation
Impact lf cement manufacturing
Impact of livestock rearing and farming
Explain the impact of industry
Industry is the largest source of greenhouse gases emitted by humans. From electricity and geat generation to agriculture and transport. Industry plays a huge part in the prodiction and generation of energy that sustains modern lifestyles.
Explain the impact of deforestation
The large scale clearance has reduced the effectiveness of one of the natural carbon sinks that earth has. Through the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and oxygen is released.
Explain the impact of livestock rearing and farming
Worldwide over 100 tonnes of methan is prodiced by flatulamce or excretion by cows per year. Another 11 tonnes is prodiced through paddy rice farming in developing nations. Fertilisers also contribute to nitrous oxide emissions.
Explain the impact of cement manufacturing
The production of cement releases carbon dioxide in two ways. Firstly through calcination which is heating limestone which is a store of carbon and breaks down to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. Indirect emissions come from ygr fossil fuels burned to heat the process, and transportation of the material once it is manufactured.
