Climate Impacts Flashcards
Four examples of physical impacts of climate change
- Sea level rise
- Ocean acidification
- Ocean heat storage
- Weather extremes
What are the requirements for the formation of tropical cyclone?
- Warm ocean water: SST of >27.8C
- High SST
- High air moisture
- Low wind
- Seed thunderstorms
- Reach at least 50m depth
How have tropical cyclones changed due to global warming?
There has been an increase in strength and intensity
How has the frequency of heatwaves changes since 1950?
Heatwave frequency has likely increased in Europe, Asia, and Australia since 1950
How has the frequency of heavy precipitation events changed since 1950?
Increased
How has land-use change affected the water cycle?
How is the global annual precipitation expected to change during the 21st century?
They will increase as global surface temperature increase
Where have permafrost temperatures increased since the early 1980s?
Permafrost temperatures have increased across all regions, although this has been variable.
How had land-use change affected the water cycle?
Deforestation
Agriculture
Urbanisation
Mining
How does deforestation affect the water cycle?
Removing trees reduces evapotranspiration, the process where water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plants. This can lead to decreased rainfall and changes in regional weather patterns.
How does agriculture affect the water cycle?
Irrigation can deplete groundwater resources and alter the timing and volume of streamflow. Agricultural practices can also increase surface runoff and soil erosion, impacting water quality.
How does urbanisation affect the water cycle?
Covering land with impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt increases runoff and reduces infiltration, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. Urban areas also generate heat, which can alter local convection patterns and precipitation.
How does mining affect the water cycle?
Mining operations can contaminate water sources with heavy metals and other pollutants, and alter groundwater flow patterns
