topic 4 Flashcards
how does the atmosphere support life
gases for natural processes -needed for bio. molecules
absorption of e.m. radiation
-ozone layer
ocean currents -winds blowing over the ocean cerate currents
atmospheric pressure
controls ease water molecules evaporate-if it was lower no liquid form on earth
ecological changes due to climate change
increase plant growth
precipitation changes may cause drying of and
hibernating animals-start ealier-starve before spring
flowering-later than usual
suitable areas new area may not be available
bats in the uk
warmer shorter winters -inctrease survival during hibernation
stormier weather may reduce the feeding time for bats
wind pattern change
temperature difference is becoming smaller amking jet streams less strong -more warm air than cooler
rainfall changes
more evaporation-more precipitation-change in air flow may cause precipitation to move to different areas
changes inn the cryosphere
Reduction of snow fall-reducing surface albedo
Ice Lakes-melting ice water collect on the surface of the-causes sudden flooding if the front ice wall melts -Himalayas
change in the extent of speed and movement of land ice
sea level rise issues
thermal expansion of seawater-sea level rise
melting land ice
gulf stream
friction of prevailing winds blowing over ocean surface causes water flow in that direction
north east atlantic water sinks becoming more denser as it sink drawing water to replace it
changes on ocean current
wind pattern changes may cause water to move
changes in salinity caused by inflow of freshwarter from melted glaciers
global impacts of el nino
droughts-NE africa
fewer hurricanes in japan
impacts of climate change on humans
health-disease vectors become more common
water supplies -change in evaporation rates-creates food supply issue-may change crop species that can be grown
drainage-higher risk of flooding if there is heavy rainfall
landslidess-soil soil saturated-lubricated
monitoring and predicitng climate change
interconnected systems-not fully understood-gulf stream decteases temp chnage in the jet stream increases temp how do they react
natural fluctuations-solar output changes-exaggerate or hide human processes
time delay
data collection
Historic data-atmospheric Composistion
proxy data-ice core data-air bubbles trapped in the ice-ratio of oxygen isotopes
satellite data- fast-weather patterns
Argo floats-position of the movement-deep
Bouys-surface
negative feedback systems
increased low level cloud-
higher temp.increase evaporation-increase cloud cover
increased photosynthesis-increased c02 sequestration in woody biomass-c02 levels decreases
