Climate Change 2 Flashcards
How is mathematical model of climate change made
Mathematical model is made by collecting data, plotted as a graph then line of best fit is extrapolated so a prediction.
Assumptions during extrapolation
Assumptions when extrapolating are
We have enough data to establish trend accurately and present trends continue.
What factors affect climate change
Factors affecting climate change are
All greenhouse gases
Aerosols (very small particles/lipid droplets found in atmosphere)
Cloud cover
How much of Earth is covered in snow and ice
Why are models sometimes wrong
Models are sometimes wrong because of
Limited data
Limited knowledge of how climate systems work
Changing trends
What is extrapolation
Extrapolation is extending a line of best fit to make a prediction on something outside data set.
How do aerosols affect climate change
Aerosols affect climate change by scattering sunlight back into space and by modifying size of cloud particles, this changes how clouds reflect and absorb sunlight.
Why is modelling climate change complicated
Modelling climate change is complicated because many factors are involved and if one or more is missed out then accuracy will be reduced. Also, to make the model accurate, you must take into account interactions between different factors
Why are computers useful
Computers are useful because they can extrapolate curves more accurately than humans
