causes of short term climate change affecting the glacial system

Question 1

solar forcing

Answer 1

energy released by the sun, linked to sun spot activity (areas of high solar output which fluctuate on an approximate 11 year cycle)

Question 2

the little ice age

Answer 2

between 1645 and 1715 a period occurred with low levels of solar output as the climate cooled down

Question 3

impacts of the little ice age

Answer 3

-sea ice expanded so couldnt ship to iceland or greenland
-baltic sea froze over
-in the alps, glaciers advanced and threatened towns

Question 4

volcanic eruptions

Answer 4

cool conditions have been influenced by explosive volcanic eruptions. these propel sulphur dioxide and ash into the stratosphere, where they reflect incoming solar radiation

Question 5

anthropogenic factors

Answer 5

human activity is increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases resulting in an increase of global average temperatures by over 1.2 since 1980