Climate change Flashcards
What is climate change affecting in the water cycle?
Precipitation input, potential evapotranspiration output, stores and channel flow
What has happened in 1970 to 90 in the Sahel?
A persistent drought
When did Ethiopia suffer drought related famine?
1983-5
What may happen to the Sahel as climate change results in a warmer world?
The Sahel may become wetter
Climate change winner?
What does reforestation increase in hot arid environments?
It increases water availability
What are climate models?
Computer simulations able to forecast climate change
What do tree rings show?
Tree rings record weather / climate in the past
What has happened to the Sierra Nevada snowpack?
Dramatically reduced in size
What has happened to the Lake Cachuma reservoir in California?
Dramatically reduced in size
What happened in California in 2017?
California experienced its hottest summer on record with less than 25% average rainfall and increased wildfires
What is a good example of the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle?
The ENSO cycle
What happens during normal years in the pacific ocean?
Easterly winds blow along the equator and warm ocean water pushed west and air heated above west pacific, warm moist air rises over NE Australia leading to cloud and convectional rainfall. Dry air then flows east in the upper atmosphere until sinking over the pacific and western south America such as Chile’s Atacama desert. This is called the Walker Cell
What happens during an El Nino event in the Pacific?
The Walker Cell weakens or reverses leading to flooding in Chile and drought in Australia
How often do El Nino’s occur?
Every 3-8 years, lasts up to 2 years
What happens during a La Nina event?
The Walker Cell intensifies
