Climate Flashcards
Why does the Earth have seasons?
Seasons occur on Earth due to its axial tilt relative to its orbit around the Sun. As Earth orbits the Sun, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight, leading to differences in temperature and weather patterns.
In what way does climate change impact hurricanes?
Climate change can impact hurricanes in several ways. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for hurricanes to intensify, leading to stronger and more destructive storms. Additionally, rising sea levels increase the risk of storm surge and coastal flooding during hurricane landfalls.
Describe the “greenhouse effect”.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that regulates Earth’s temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O), absorb and re-emit infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface. This process warms the lower atmosphere and the surface of the Earth, making it habitable for life.
The sun emits energy in what parts of the electromagnetic spectrum?
The Sun emits energy across a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, including ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and infrared (IR).
The Earth emits energy in what parts of the electromagnetic spectrum?
The Earth emits energy primarily in the form of infrared radiation, also known as terrestrial or longwave radiation. This radiation is a result of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere absorbing solar energy and re-radiating it back into space.
What is ‘insolation’ and how does it vary with latitude and season?
Insolation refers to the incoming solar radiation received by the Earth’s surface. It varies with latitude and season due to the curvature of the Earth and its axial tilt. At the equator, insolation is generally more intense throughout the year, leading to warmer temperatures. At higher latitudes, insolation decreases, resulting in cooler temperatures.
Describe how global atmospheric circulation patterns affect climates at different latitudes.
These circulation patterns transport heat and moisture around the globe, shaping regional climates.
What are the two main mechanisms by which the energy from the sun is transported from the equator
toward the poles?
The two main mechanisms by which energy from the Sun is transported from the equator towards the poles are atmospheric circulation (such as Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells) and ocean currents (such as the Gulf Stream and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current).
What drives the thermohaline circulation in the oceans, and how does this “conveyor” affect climate around
the North Atlantic?
Thermohaline circulation in the oceans is primarily driven by differences in temperature and salinity. Warm, less dense surface waters move towards the poles, where they cool and become denser, sinking to deeper ocean layers. This global “conveyor belt” of ocean currents helps regulate climate by redistributing heat around the Earth, particularly affecting climate in the North Atlantic region.
What is upwelling and why does it occur?
Upwelling is the process by which cold, nutrient-rich waters rise from the ocean depths to the surface. It occurs along coastlines where surface winds blow offshore, causing surface waters to move away from the shore and be replaced by cold, nutrient-rich waters from below. Upwelling supports high biological productivity and fisheries in coastal regions.
El Nino and la Nina are naturally occurring variations in the climate. Describe the conditions that lead to El Nino and its effects on weather patterns in the Pacific.
El Niño is characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, disrupting normal atmospheric circulation patterns. This phenomenon occurs irregularly every 2-7 years and can lead to changes in weather patterns worldwide. Effects of El Niño include droughts in some regions, heavy rainfall and flooding in others, and disruptions to marine ecosystems.
What are the three components of Milankovitch cycles? Name and describe them in some detail.
Milankovitch cycles are long-term variations in Earth’s orbit and axial tilt that influence climate over tens to hundreds of thousands of years. The three components of Milankovitch cycles are eccentricity (changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit), axial tilt (changes in the tilt of Earth’s axis), and precession (changes in the orientation of Earth’s axis). These cycles affect the distribution and intensity of solar radiation received by the Earth, influencing climate patterns such as ice ages.
What is the ‘Snowball Earth” hypothesis? Describe two of the feedback loops that it assumes.
The Snowball Earth hypothesis proposes that Earth experienced periods of extreme glaciation in its past, during which the entire planet was covered in ice. This hypothesis suggests that feedback loops involving ice-albedo feedback (reflectivity of ice) and carbon dioxide levels played significant roles in initiating and maintaining these glaciations.
What are some expected changes to climate in New Hampshire in the coming decades? Be specific.
In the coming decades, New Hampshire may experience warmer temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns (including more intense rainfall events), increased frequency of heatwaves, and changes in the distribution of plant and animal species. Additionally, rising sea levels may impact coastal areas of New Hampshire.
What are two primary factors that contribute to the uncertainty in climate change projections (like those from the IPCC)?
Two primary factors contributing to uncertainty in climate change projections are the complexity of Earth’s climate system and uncertainties in future human activities and emissions. Earth’s climate is influenced by numerous interconnected processes and feedback mechanisms, making accurate predictions challenging. Additionally, uncertainties in future greenhouse gas emissions, technological advancements, and policy decisions contribute to uncertainty in future climate scenarios.
