Climate Change

Question 1

What are the five physical causes of climate change?

Answer 1

1. Solar variation
2. Milankovitch cycles
3. Volcanic eruptions
4. Continental drift
5. Ocean Currents

Question 2

How does solar variation effect climate change?

Answer 2

The amount of solar radiation which is given off by the sun varies because of:
1. Changes on the sun’s surface
2. Slight changes in the size of the sun

Question 3

What are sunspots?

Answer 3

Sunspots are areas of the sun which appear dark and are “cooler” than the surrounding material. These often produce solar flare and CME (coronal mass ejection) events which can result in very slight increases in the sun’s output and a temporary heating of the earth.

Question 4

Sunspot activity follows a … year cycle

Answer 4

11 and 22