Climate Change (theme 3) Flashcards
What is the Quaternary period
The last 2.6 million years
3 things that are evidence for climate change
Sediment cores
Tree rings
Ice cores
Natural causes of climate change
Orbital changes
Volcanic activity
Solar output
How do orbital output cause climate change
When orbit is more circular earths temp likely to increase because its closer to the sun and vice versa
How does volcanic activity cause climate change
Sulphur and carbon dioxide released into atmosphere reflecting the suns rays and reducing temps
However Co2 is greenhouse gas
How is solar output a cause of climate change
Sun’s solar energy varies over time
Explain the greenhouse effect
- Solar radiation reaches earth. Most is absorbed but the rest is reflected into the atmosphere
- Some solar energy is passed through atmosphere back to space
- Some of it is trapped by greenhouse gases increasing temperature
Human factors for climate change
Fossil fuels agriculture deforestation
How does fossil fuels increase climate change
Fossil fuels released into atmosphere trap heat warming up planet
How does agriculture increase climate change
Livestock and rice farming produce methane
How does deforestation increase climate change
Trees absorb c02 by photosynthesis without them more of the gas is I’m the atmosphere
3 Climate changes effects on environment
-cause glaciers to melt reducing loss of polar habitats
-rising sea levels result in more areas flooded damaging habitats
-Warmer temperatures and higher sea levels more extreme weather events and changes in precipitation patterns
3 ways climate change effects people
-coastal areas at risk of flooding become uninhabitable could lead to mass migration and overcrowding
-drought and desertification lead to declining crop yields and water shortages
-people in hot regions risk of developing heat related health problems
Ways of mitigating the risk of climate change
Alternative energy production
International agreements
Planting trees
Carbon capture and storage
Ways to adapt for climate change
Chaging agricultural systems
Managing water supplies
Adjusting to rising sea levels
