Unit 9: Global Climate Change

Question 1

Positive feedback examples

Answer 1

Global soils contain more than twice the carbon currently in the atmosphere, arctic regions becoming warmer, melting permafrost.

Question 2

Negative feedback examples

Answer 2

Increased carbon dioxide stimulation plant growth, and the oceans absorbing more CO2.

Question 3

Effects on coastal communities

Answer 3

Loss of barrier islands, property loss and damage, and potential relocation of inhabitants.

Question 4

Effects on atmosphere

Answer 4

Because of a decrease in air temp differences the Hadley cell is widening and weakening, and the jet stream is weakening and destabilizing.

Question 5

Effects on marine ecosystems

Answer 5

Their range is altering. This means animals have to migrate or adapt to get the temp and sunlight they need.

Question 6

Effects on ocean circulation

Answer 6

Suppression of the thermohaline, stopping the redistribution of salt, nutrients, and temp in the ocean.

Question 7

Effects on polar ecosystems

Answer 7

Methane release, arctic ice loss causes habitat loss, and negative effects on the food chain.

Question 8

Effects on coral reefs

Answer 8

Rising sea levels, acidification, altered currents, changed temps, and other climate change effects push corals out of their range of tolerance.

Question 9

What does the presence of hydrogen in oceans cause?

Answer 9

It takes away the carbonate ion, not allowing shells to form.

Question 10

What are the problems surrounding soil?

Answer 10

Changes in temp and precipitation can impact its viability and possibly increase erosion.

Question 11

Why are polar regions showing faster response times to climate change?

Answer 11

Ice and snow in these regions reflect
the most energy back out to space, leading to a
positive feedback loop because as it melts more heat is absorbed by the earth’s surface.