Impacts of carbon cycle: Atmosphere Flashcards
Radiative forcing
Energy is constantly flowing from the atmosphere in the form of sunlight
30% of this sunlight is reflected back into space
The rest is absorbed by the planet
Some of this absorbed energy is radiated back as inferred energy
If the balance between the incoming and the outgoing energy is anything other than zero, warming (positive) or cooling (negative) will occur.
The measure of it being out of balance due to human activities (radiative forcing) is measured in watts/m2
Radiative forcing has increased due to greenhouse gas emissions and changing albedos due to land use changes
Regional climate
Vegetation removes co2 and releases water and oxygen
Regions with dense vegetation (tropical rainforests) experience high rates of photosynthesis and respiration. This increases the levels of humidity and cloud cover, which in turn can have regional climate and rainfall.
Widespread deforestation cause areas to become drier and less humid. Less trees means less photosynthesis.
Volcanic eruptions release co2 along with other gases into the atmosphere. This absorbs more incoming radiation from the sun and can lead to a cooling effect.