Climate Change

Question 1

Sunspots

Answer 1

Sun spots are dark spots that appear on the sun that follow and 11 year pattern

If sunspot activity is higher then subsequently global temperature will increase

Question 2

Volcanic eruptions

Answer 2

Millions of tones of ash, dust and droplets of sulphur are put into the atmosphere

This lowers global temperature as in increases reflection meaning less isolation reaches the earths surface

Question 3

Melting permafrost

Answer 3

As places within the arctic circle are exposed to warmer temperatures, the permafrost found in these regions is slowly melting. This releases large quantities of methane which contributes to the enhanced greenhouse gas effect, increasing temperatures

Question 4

Ocean currents

Answer 4

Retreating ice caps release additional fresh water leading to changes in oceanic circulation. These changes affect the climate of the land they flow past

Question 5

Earths tilt

Answer 5

Every 41,000 years there is a change in the tilt of the earths axis. A greater tilt means more/less sunlight in polar regions depending on the time of year

Question 6

Stretch of the earths orbit

Answer 6

Over a 97,000 year cycle the earths orbit stretches. The temperatures drop when the earth is farther from the sun