Lecture 1 Flashcards
What is the Anthropocene?
An informal geologic term for the era that began when human activities had a significant global impact on earth
What is the history of defining the Anthropocene?
In 1870 Italian geologist ‘Antonio Stoppani’ proposed the term “Anthropozoic” as a note to the fact humans were already having a significant impact on the Earth’s appearance.
In 1980 Eugene Stoerner coined the term “Anthropocene”.
Paul Crutzen (Atmospheric Nobel prize winning chemist) made the case for the Anthropocene alongside Stoerner
Where does the Anthropocene fit in the geological eras?
In the current, quaternary period from (1.8million years ago to now), within the Holocene period (10,000 years ago to now).
What are the problems with creating a period specifically for the Anthropocene?
Previous eras have been defined by a geological ‘footprint’, geological perceivable evidence of a change in the earth’s environment. Cannot directly state that future generation will be able to recognise a change in the geological record to mark the beginning of the Anthropocene.
What potential points in the earth’s history may mark the beginning of the anthropocene and how can we determine this?
Can be determined by whether this point in time marks the beginning of the Anthropocene by whether there is a geologically record.
- Post the last ice age
- During the roman empire (iron age and smelting)
- The beginning of the industrial revolution
- The beginning of the great acceleration
In what ways is the Earth a closed system?
By looking at resources that cannot escape the earth’s atmosphere. These are molecules other than the very light molecules (H and He).
In what ways is the Earth an open system?
By considering resources than can escape and enter the earth’s atmosphere. Light energy is an example of an open system, as heat and light originating from the sun is cabable of entering and escaping the earth’s atmosphere. Light molecules such as H and He are also part of an open system as these can escape the earth’s atmosphere.
What are the most basic spheres in the Earth’s system?
The lithosphere
The Hydrosphere
The Atmosphere
The Biosphere
How is Climate change related to the energy budget of the atmosphere?
The energy budget is how we percieve CO2. Climate change is driven by the balance between energy coming in and out of the earth’s atmosphere. For example the increase in trapped greenhouse gases by human activity has altered the balance. In particular the back radiation of greenhouse gases is likely to increase from 324 to 330 by human activities.
What are the major players in radiative effects?
Additional radiative forcing (W-1m-2):
-Well mixed greenhouse gases (CO2 and others (CH4, -H20 and hydrocarbons)
-The ozone (stratospheric and trophospheric)
-Stratospheric water vapour from CH4
-Surface albedo (Land use, black carbon on snow)
-Contrails
Reducive radiative forcing
-Aerosol-radiation interaction
-Aerosol-cloud interaction
What is the radiative effect of aerosols?
Aerosols from agricultural processes (e.g.) produce ions capable of forming raindrops, which help to reduce the radiation. The effect of these aerosols has dropped since the advent of catalytic converters and control of sulphur.
What should be taken from the effect of different radiative factors?
That CO2 is not the full story - not just fossil fuels are to blame for the disruption of the energy balance in anthropogenic activities.
What is an additive radiative effect?
When a factor such as CO2 in the atmosphere reflects energy back to the earth’s surface resulting in a warming.
What is the effect of a warming environment on atmospheric water?
As the temperature warms, more water can be taken up into the earth atmosphere.
What determines the level of carbon available in the carbon cycle?
Rivers and CO2 in the atmosphere.
