Lesson 5.5 - Fossil Fuel Combustion

Question 1

What are the global climate implications of FF combustion?

Answer 1

Higher avg temp
Rising mean sea level
More frequent extreme events
Sudden shifts in weather patterns

Question 2

What are the regional climate implications of FF combustion?

Answer 2

Warmer + drier regions
Increased rainfall
Storm surges in coastal areas

Question 3

What are the potential implications for ocean currents?

Answer 3

Temp + salinity change
Slowing/Reversal of Gulf Stream
Thermohaline would be fucked

Question 4

Which types of species are at the highest risk due to rising FF emissions?

Answer 4

Low pop. numbers
Limited climactic range
Restricted habitats

Question 5

How are marine organisms threatened by FF combustion?

Answer 5

Lower O2 levels
Higher rate + magnitude of ocean acidification
Rising temps

Question 6

What is the potential impact on oceanic food chains?

Answer 6

Reduced stability
Phytoplankton growth affected

Question 7

Which ecosystems would be liable to benefit from climate change?

Answer 7

Cool moist regions
Provide habitats for additional species

Question 8

Which 2 biomes are at the most immediate risk?

Answer 8

Arctic
Coral

Question 9

What are the implications for the hydro cycle?

Answer 9

Increased evaporation
Changing precipitation type
Rising surface permafrost temp
Reduced sea ice, ice cap + glacier storage

Question 10

How will rising evaporation affect the hydro cycle?

Answer 10

More moisture in circulation
Reduces ocean storage
Increased precipitation events

Question 11

How will ENSO be affected by FF combustion?

Answer 11

Droughts + floods more intense
Increasing frequency