Greenhouse effect, weather and climate Flashcards
What is unique about greenhouse gas structure?
They have a flexible molecular structure. They absorb radiation and release.
How much radiation is reflected by the earth?
Albedo reflects 25% of all radiation
Why are we in a climate disequilibrium?
Radiation pouring in is NOT being matched by radiation pouring out.
What were atmospheric CO2 levels in the preindustrial era compared to now?
They were 280ppm they are now 400ppm.
What gases make up the bulk of our environment and what is crucial about them in terms of the greenhouse effect?
Nitrogen and Oxygen.
They do not absorb nor emit thermal radiation.
What is the main contributor to the greenhouse effect?
Water vapour. It’s the most powerful.
What are human made GHGs known as?
HaloCarbons
What are impacts of El Nino?
Floods
Droughts
Wildfires
What are some benefits of El Nino?
Less hurricanes, milder winters in Canada
What is proxy data?
Refers to historical data such as ice cores or lake sediments
What is instrumental data?
More recent data. Measured records. Important for calibrating proxy data. It is accurate, but there isn’t much of it.
What is a way in which we an obtain rainfall variability in history?
Tree ring analysis
What does ENSO stand for?
El-Nino Southern Osciliation
What are impacts of La Nina?
The opposite of El Nino Years. Less rainfall in Asian Monsoons.
