Global Climate

Question 1

What is the global atmospheric circulation?

Answer 1

A worldwide system of winds moving solar heat energy FROM the equator TO the poles to reach a balance in temperature

Question 2

What generates wind?

Answer 2

Air moves from high pressure to lower pressure due to differences in air pressure caused by uneven heating of the Earth’s surface

Question 3

Where is insolation greater?

Answer 3

At the equator than at the poles due to the Earth’s curvature and angle of tilt

Question 4

What process causes hot air to rise and cooler air to sink?

Answer 4

Convection

Question 5

What are the three atmospheric circulation cells?

Answer 5

• Hadley Cell
• Ferrel Cell
• Polar Cell

Question 6

Which cell is the largest and extends from the equator to between 30° and 40° north and south?

Answer 6

Hadley cell

Question 7

What weather phenomenon occurs near the equator due to rising hot air?

Answer 7

Thunderstorms (tropical rainstorms)

Question 8

What is the Ferrel cell known for?

Answer 8

It moves in the opposite direction from the Hadley and Polar cells and is the most complicated cell

Question 9

What is the smallest and weakest of the atmospheric cells?

Answer 9

Polar cell

Question 10

What is the Coriolis effect?

Answer 10

The appearance that global winds and ocean currents curve due to the Earth’s rotation

Question 11

How does the Coriolis effect influence wind direction in the northern hemisphere?

Answer 11

Winds curve to the right

Question 12

What are the three global wind belts?

Answer 12

• Trade Winds
• Westerlies
• Polar Easterlies

Question 13

What is the ocean conveyor belt?

Answer 13

A system of ocean currents that redistributes heat energy around the globe

Question 14

What drives the thermohaline circulation?

Answer 14

Convection currents driven by cold water freezing into ice at the poles

Question 15

What are high and low pressure areas influenced by?

Answer 15

Air movement either towards the ground (subsidence) or up into the atmosphere (convection)

Question 16

How does the sea affect air pressure in summer and winter?

Answer 16

Forms high pressure in summer and low pressure in winter

Question 17

What happens during subsidence?

Answer 17

Air becomes denser and sinks towards the ground, forming high pressure areas

Question 18

What is the impact of convection on weather conditions?

Answer 18

Creates low pressure areas with thick cloud cover and heavy rainfall

Question 19

What are the Milankovitch cycles?

Answer 19

Long term changes to the Earth’s orbit and position affecting solar radiation received

Question 20

What is one natural cause of climate change?

Answer 20

Volcanic eruptions lead to cooling as incoming solar radiation is blocked by volcanic dust

Question 21

What evidence supports natural climate change?

Answer 21

• Ice cores
• Preserved pollen
• Historical sources
• Tree rings

Question 22

What gases are part of the Earth’s atmosphere?

Answer 22

• Nitrogen
• Carbon dioxide
• Oxygen
• Water vapour
• Methane
• Argon

Question 23

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 23

A natural phenomenon essential for the survival of life on Earth

Question 24

What gases make up the Earth’s atmosphere?

Answer 24

The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of:
* Nitrogen
* Carbon dioxide
* Oxygen
* Water vapour
* Methane
* Argon

These gases play a crucial role in the greenhouse effect.

Question 25

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 25

The greenhouse effect allows short-wave radiation from the sun to pass through the atmosphere and absorbs some long-wave radiation to maintain the Earth's average temperature. Without it, the average temperature would be -18°C. ## Footnote This effect is essential for the survival of life on Earth.

Question 26

What has led to the enhanced greenhouse effect?

Answer 26

The enhanced greenhouse effect is caused by increased human activity, resulting in higher levels of greenhouse gases, including: * Carbon dioxide (CO2) * Methane * Nitrous oxides * Chlorofluorocarbons ## Footnote CO2 levels have increased by more than 100 ppm to 420 ppm in 2020.

Question 27

What are the main human sources of carbon dioxide (CO2)?

Answer 27

Main sources include: * Burning of fossil fuels (power stations, vehicles) * Burning of wood * Deforestation ## Footnote Fewer trees lead to less CO2 being removed from the atmosphere.

Question 28

What are the main sources of methane (CH4)?

Answer 28

Main sources include: * Decay of organic matter (manure, waste in landfill, crops) * Artificial fertilizers * Burning fossil fuels ## Footnote Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a significant warming effect.

Question 29

What recent evidence supports human-caused climate change?

Answer 29

Recent evidence includes: * Average temperature increases since the 1980s * Glacier and Arctic ice decline * Rising sea levels * Changes in wildlife patterns * Increase in extreme weather events ## Footnote These changes highlight the significant impacts of climate change.

Question 30

By how much have average global temperatures increased since pre-industrial times?

Answer 30

Average global temperatures have increased by over 1°C since pre-industrial times. ## Footnote This increase is largely attributed to human activities.

Question 31

What factors contribute to rising sea levels?

Answer 31

Factors include: * Melting ice adding more water * Thermal expansion of warm water ## Footnote Sea levels have risen approximately 23 cm since 1880.

Question 32

What are some predicted future impacts of climate change on global temperatures?

Answer 32

Predictions suggest an increase of between 1.9°C and 4.2°C. ## Footnote This is dependent on population growth and fossil fuel usage.

Question 33

What social effects are associated with climate change?

Answer 33

Social effects include: * Increased spread of diseases * Loss of job opportunities * Displacement of people due to flooding ## Footnote Health impacts include heat-related illnesses and malnutrition.

Question 34

What environmental effects are caused by climate change?

Answer 34

Environmental effects include: * Sea level rise * Increased frequency of storms * Ecosystem changes ## Footnote Coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable.

Question 35

True or False: All scientists agree on the causes of climate change.

Answer 35

False ## Footnote Some scientists argue that climate change is due to natural patterns rather than human activity.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: The average sea level has risen ______ since 1880.

Answer 36

23 cm ## Footnote This rise is expected to continue, posing risks to coastal areas.

Question 37

What are some changes in wildlife patterns due to climate change?

Answer 37

Changes include: * Altered flowering patterns of plants * Changes in bird migration times * Shorter hibernation periods * Earlier bird nesting ## Footnote These shifts can disrupt ecosystems.

Question 38

What are the potential consequences of a 1m sea level rise?

Answer 38

Consequences include: * Increased flooding * Beach erosion * Contamination of freshwater supplies ## Footnote Low-lying areas like the Maldives may become uninhabitable.

Question 39

What is one challenge in predicting future impacts of climate change?

Answer 39

Challenges include: * Uncertainty in population growth rates * Variability in fossil fuel usage * Inaccuracies in climate modeling ## Footnote These factors complicate accurate forecasting.