Chapter 1 - Overview

Question 1

How does climate differ to weather?

Answer 1

Climate deals refers to the average conditions of a region and applies to long term variations compared to weather which deals with short term fluctuations

Question 2

In what ways does it differ from traditional sciences?

Answer 2

Extremely multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary and linked to past present and future

Question 3

Bunsen burner is lit and warms quickly at first then more slowly. How does response time vary through time?

Answer 3

First response warms the beaker to 50% of the way to equilibrium temperature. The next response brings it to 75%, followed by 87.5% and so on. Each response time is half the remaining needed

Question 4

What is the total range of time scales over which responses vary

Answer 4

Hours to 10,000 years (atmosphere - ice sheets)

Question 5

Do positive feedbacks always make the climate warmer?

Answer 5

No, positive feedbacks amplify climatic changes. This could present as increased cooling or increased warming