Science behind Climate Change

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

• Curved nature and axial tilt (seasons)
• Energy from the Sun moves in and out of the atmosphere
• Heat moves around the ocean and atmosphere

Question 2

Factors that determine the atmosphere

Answer 2

• Turbulent heat transfer
• Dual role of clouds
• Heating and cooling
• Positive and negative feedback
• Cyclical change of Earth’s axis
• Cooling and heating features of gases

Question 3

Hydrosphere/Ocean

Answer 3

• Dominant role in controlling climate
• Absorbs 50% of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface
• Currents store and redistribute heat
• Interconnections and direction of surface ocean currents and deep-ocean circulation
• Thermohaline circulation

Question 4

Cryosphere

Answer 4

• Reflectivity (albedo) plays an important role in climate modification
  Insulation through snow and sea ice
• Greenland and Antarctica are significant components of the cryosphere

Question 5

Biosphere

Answer 5

• The layer where life exists, consisting of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
• Thickness of approximately 10 km
• Relevant biogeochemical processes include the carbon and nitrogen cycles

Question 6

Lithosphere

Answer 6

• Top layer of the Earth
• Major role in the hydrological cycle, including fresh water on the surface, underground reservoirs, and interconnections between lithosphere and atmosphere
• One of the newest research areas regarding climate change with extremely difficult processes

Question 7

The Earth’s energy balance

Answer 7

• First climate model: Naked Earth model
  –> Inbound energy equation: L(1-α)r2π [W]
  –> Outbound energy equation: εσT4*4r2π
• Second climate model: Greenhouse effect model
  –> Energy balance on the ground: (L(1-α))/4 + εσTa4 = εσTg4
  –> Energy balance in the atmosphere: εσTg4 = 2(εσTa4)

Question 8

Heat balance of atmosphere-ground

Answer 8

• Planetary albedo: reflection from ground, clouds, and air
• Absorption by clouds and air
• Infrared (IR) waves from air, clouds, and ground
• Absorption and reflection of short-wave radiation

Question 9

Greenhouse gases

Answer 9

• Gases capable of absorbing and emitting radiation must have specific characteristics, such as vibration and electron excitation
• Most gases in the atmosphere are not capable of this
• Gases can vibrate in specific ways, such as bending (symmetric and asymmetric stretching)