Physical Causes of Climate Change

Question 1

Milankovitch Cycles: theory of changes in orbit and tilt

Answer 1

The Milankovitch cycle is the theory that changes in the Earths orbit and tilt alter the amount of energy the earth receives from the sun

Question 2

Milankovitch cycles: When does the Earth’s tilt change? What does the axis vary between? What does this affect?

Answer 2

Changes in the Earth’s tilt occur every 41,000 years. The tilt of the Earth’s axis varies between 22.5 degrees and 24.5 degrees. A greater tilt towards the sun means more light and solar energy for polar regions

Question 3

Milankovitch cycles: How often does the Earth’s orbit change from circular to elliptical?

Answer 3

The Earth’s orbit changed from being almost circular to elliptical in cycles of 97,000 years.

Question 4

Milankovitch cycles: Different between circular and elliptical orbit (variation in temperature)

Answer 4

A circular orbit means the planets distance from the sun remains constant and season variations in temperature are minimal where as elliptical orbits produce more extreme seasonal variations

Question 5

Sunspot Activity: What are sun spots caused by?

Answer 5

Extra activity on the sun can result in magnetic storms called sunspots to appear as darker patches on the sun’s surface.

Question 6

Sunspot Activity: How long is the cycle of intensity of sunspots?

Answer 6

The intensity of sunspots follows an 11 year cycle

Question 7

Sunspot Activity: What does periods of high sunspot activity result in?

Answer 7

Periods of high sunspot activity result in increased brightness and more energy being released by the sun

Question 8

Oceanic Circulation: How do melting ice caps result in changes in oceanic circulation?

Answer 8

Retreating ice caps releases addition fresh water into the oceans which can lead to changes in oceanic circulation

Question 9

Oceanic Circulation: What do changes in oceanic circulation cause change in?

Answer 9

Changes in Oceanic circulation can lead to changes in the distribution of heat around the planet

Question 10

Volcanic Eruptions: Gas from volcanoes combines with ? to form ?

Answer 10

The gas emitted from volcanoes combined with water and oxygen to form sulfuric acid

Question 11

Volcanic Eruptions: Acid condenses to form? What can the condensed acid do?

Answer 11

The acid condenses and forms sulphate aerosol droplets which can intercept incoming solar energy and reflect it back into space.