Module 10 Climate Change Processes Flashcards
What do climatologists use to determine whether it’s hotter than average?
Temperature averages over many years
This method helps identify long-term climate trends.
What is the heat budget of the Earth?
Balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing heat
This balance is essential for maintaining a constant climate.
What does the term climate change refer to?
Overall warming or cooling of the planet
Climate change can be influenced by various factors.
What historical climate records show?
Instances of both warming and cooling
This indicates that climate change is not a new phenomenon.
What happens during periods of global cooling?
Insolation reflected back exceeds the insolation absorbed
This can lead to a decrease in global temperatures.
What role do sunspots play in Earth’s temperature?
Decrease in sunspots contributes to a decrease in global temperature
This phenomenon was part of the causes of the ‘Little Ice Age.’
What can prevent insolation from reaching the Earth’s surface?
Increased cloud cover or volcanic ash
These factors can lead to a cooling effect on the planet.
How can volcanic eruptions affect global temperatures?
They can lower temperatures by spewing ash and aerosols
These particles reflect sunlight away from the Earth’s surface.
What is La Niña?
The cold-water phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation
It is characterized by cooler ocean temperatures in the tropics.
What happens during an El Niño event?
Surface temperature of the water in the tropics increases
This leads to changes in global wind and weather patterns.
What are Milankovitch Cycles?
Periodic cycles in Earth’s orbit affecting climate
They include changes in eccentricity, axial tilt, and wobbling of Earth’s axis.
What is a significant factor in the buildup of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide
It is a greenhouse gas that traps heat.
What contributes to the increase in carbon dioxide levels?
- Natural sources (volcanoes, respiration)
- Man-made activities
- Destruction of rainforests
Rainforests absorb carbon dioxide, so their destruction leads to higher levels.
What are the effects of El Niño on wildlife?
Changes in migration patterns of fish, sea mammals, and birds
El Niño significantly impacts ecosystems and weather patterns.
True or False: La Niña brings warmer-than-normal surface ocean temperatures.
False
La Niña is characterized by cooler ocean temperatures.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is characterized by ocean cooling.
La Niña
This phase contrasts with El Niño, which brings warming.
