QUESTIONS Lessons 1-3

Question 1

How does the sun affect the climate on Earth?

(including changes in solar activity, the orbit of the Earth, and Earth’s axis of rotation/latitude)

Answer 1

The Sun affects the climate as the amount of its solar radiation hitting the Earth influences the temperatures and weather conditions of the climate.

Question 2

How eccentricity, tilt, and wobble cause fluctuations in the effect of the Sun on Earth’s climate (Milankovic’s calculations)

Answer 2

Tilt/Wobble affect the intensity of the sun rays onto Earth

Eccentricity affects the proximity of the Earth to the Sun.

Question 3

How atmosphere affects climate (including greenhouse effect, wind causing movement of thermal energy, precipitation, and ocean currents

Answer 3

Atmosphere affects climate as…

• It determines the temperature of the Earth and its climate
• Wind movement affects ocean currents movement patterns (thermohaline circulation), which affects ocean currents and precipitation patterns.

Question 4

Effects of hydrosphere on climate (including heat reservoirs, albedo)

Answer 4

Water has a low albedo, so it doesn’t reflect as much heat. Therefore, it makes the climate warmer in areas with lots of water. Also, water is a huge heat reservoir as it absorbs a lot of CO2, affecting the climate.

Question 5

Effects of movement of tectonic plates on climate (volcanic eruptions, mountains)

Answer 5

Volcanic eruptions release ash and other greenhouse gases, heating the Earth and causing climate change.

Question 6

Human activities that affect climate/global warming potential

Answer 6

Burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests and farming livestock

Question 7

Factors used to classify climate in the Koppen climate classification system

Answer 7

Temperature/amount of precipitation

Question 8

Ecozone vs. Ecoregion

Answer 8

Ecozones are combined data on things like vegetation, landscape, wildlife, soil, etc… Ecoregions are divisions of ecozones and are categorized based on areas where ecosystems are similar.

Question 9

Indicators of climate change (with examples) and effects of climate change on humans/animals

Answer 9

1. Global warming: Change in Earth’s temperature
2. Changes in Polar/Glacial Ice: Melting polar/glacial ice
3. Rising sea levels: ex. Antarctica ice melts and the water goes into the sea, causing rising sea levels
4. Ocean acidity: The ocean absorbs about 50% of Co2, creating carbonic acid in water which acidifies the ocean.
5. Changes in weather patterns: Higher temperatures cause increased storm intensity/frequency as well as changes in wind/precipitation patterns.