Climate Change

Question 1

Describe what is happening with sea level

Answer 1

As the sea gets warmer it expands, causing sea level to rise. If it keeps rising it is bad for people living in low-lying places - they’d be flooded
Higher temps. makes ice melt. Water that’s currently ‘trapped’ on land (ac ice) runs into the sea, causing sea level to rise even more

Question 2

Describe what is happening with weather patterns

Answer 2

Global warming has changed weather patterns. It’s thought many regions will suffer more extreme weather. Hurricanes form over water that’s warmer than 27ᵒC - so more warm water = more hurricanes. he climate is a complicated system -> hard to predict what will happen

Question 3

Describe what is happening with distribution of wild animals and plant species

Answer 3

Changing because of the temp change they may be more or less widely distributed.

Question 4

Describe what is happening with biodiversity

Answer 4

Could be reduced if some species are unable to survive a change in the climate - so become extinct

Question 5

Describe what is happening with Migration patterns

Answer 5

Could change. Eg, birds might migrate further north, as more northern areas are getting warmer

Question 6

How are scientists collecting data about climate change?

Answer 6

1) Satellites - monitor snow and ice cover
2) Satellites - measure the temp. of the sea surface
3) The temp. and speed of ocean currents are monitored for any changes
4) Automatic weather stations are constantly recording atmospheric temperatures

Question 7

When collecting data, what 2 things are needed to make a judgement on climate change?

Answer 7

A wide enough area

Long enough time scale