Climate Change (today) Flashcards
1
Q
What were Quaternary glacial cycles driven by?
A
They were driven by NATURAL variability (principally Milankovitch orbital forcing) but with the greenhouse effect as an important feedback mechanism.
2
Q
what is the contemporary climate change driven by today?
A
It is driven by ANTHROPOGENIC greenhouse effect superimposed upon natural variability.
3
Q
What are some evidence of climate change today?
A
Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as it now evident from observations of:
- Widespread melting of snow and ice.
- Rising global mean sea level.
4
Q
What do greenhouse gases in the atmosphere do in the atmosphere?
A
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere TRAP outgoing radiation causing warming of the Earth (average temperature = 15oC vs -18oC).
