AOS 2 Unit 1 Enviro

Question 1

Natural and human factors that affect Earths energy balance

Answer 1

• Solar variability
• Sun spots

Question 2

Solar variability

Answer 2

• Solar variability= The radiation reaching earth varies on a larger scale than that caused by seasons and location.
• ## The level of activity is visible to us in the form of sunspots- dark spots on the suns surface, usually relatively close to the suns equator.

Question 3

Sun spots

Answer 3

• Sun spots are associated flares, are a sign of changes in suns magnetic field. Becuase the suns interior contains flows of hot gas, the hsape and intensity of its magnetic fields change quite rapidly

Question 4

Volcanic eruptions:

Answer 4

• Volcanoes are common in many parts of the world. An erupting volcano shoots out a variety of gases, some of which are greenhouse gases

Question 5

Human activities:

Answer 5

• Human activites have changed gas composition of earths atmosphere. Activites that produce greenhouse gases include burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide.

Question 6

Earths energy budget:

Answer 6

Natural greenhouse effect= earths temperature is determined by the balance between energy input and output.
- Radiation from the sun
- The albedo effect= Albedo is a fraction of solar energy that is refelected from Earth back into space.
- Ocean circulation= Earths oceans play a major role in the storage and distribution of heat energy around the globe.

Question 7

Carbon sequestration in natural systems:

• Oceans → Carbon sequestration can dorm in oceans are 40% of earths carbon emissions are absorbed and stores in the oceans because carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater to form carbonic acid
• Forests → Are the most widely cited carbon sinks, storing much of the world carbon sink