Chapter Causes of Climate Change Part I: Milankovitch Cycles

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Chapter Causes of Climate Change Part I: Milankovitch Cycles"

Transcription

1 Chapter Causes of Climate Change Part I: Milankovitch Cycles

2 Climate Cycles =400

3 Milankovitch Cycles Milankovitch Cycles are created by changes in the geometry of Earth s orbit around the sun and changes in Earth s tilt. Milankovitch Cycles vary the amount of sunlight parts of the Earth receive at certain times of year Cycles can increase or decrease seasonal Eccentricity, Obliquity, Precession are the three changes in the Earth s movement analyzed in the Milankovitch cycles

4 Geometry of the Earth & Sun is more quickly affected by changes in heating than water. Also, Oceans circulate, which will lessen seasonal variatiions. Since most continents are in the Northern Hemisphere, Milankovitch Cycles have a greater effect on seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, and these effects are what can cause global glacial and interglacial periods. In general, extreme seasonal changes lead to glacial periods, extreme changes lead to interglacial periods. Why? More extreme summers = more melting of snowpack More extreme winters = less snow (too cold for water vapor)

5 Eccentricity Eccentricity: the change in the shape of the Earth s, ranging from nearly circular to more elliptical on a 100,000 year cycle. Greater eccentricity increases the difference between aphelion (furthest point from the sun) and the periphelion (closest point to the sun). Whether a greater eccentricity will cause greater seasonal differences depends on the combination of eccentricity with (orientation of Earth s tilt relative to the sun). We are currently in a period of eccentricity. Current: More Extreme Less Extreme

6 Obliquity (or Axial Tilt) Obliquity: degree of the tilt of the Earth s axis. Variation in tilt ranges from 21.5 and 24.5 in a cycle of 41,000 years. Current tilt is and is Less tilt results in seasonal differences, which can lead to glaciation Current More Extreme Less Extreme

7 Precession (or Wobble) Precession: Change in the orientation of the Earth s axis relative to its. (Wobble of axis.) Cycle is 23,000 years. Currently the periphelon (closest point to sun) occurs during Northern Hemisphere s, causing extreme seasons in the Northern hemisphere. When axis parallel to sun (equinoxes) during aphelion and periphelon, hemispheres have similar contrast in seasons. More Extreme in North Current: Less Extreme in North

8 Milankovitch Cycles At times when Northern Hemisphere summers are (farthest from the Sun due to precession and greatest orbital eccentricity) and winters are (minimum tilt), snow can accumulate on and cover broad areas of northern America and Europe. At present, only precession is in the glacial mode, with tilt and eccentricity not favorable to glaciation.

9 Climate Cycles Even when all the orbital parameters favor glaciation, the increase in winter snowfall and decrease in summer melt would barely be enough to trigger glaciation, not to grow large ice sheets. Ice sheet growth requires the support of feedback loops. The largest one is probably tied to ocean uptake of carbon.

10 Natural Climate Cycles End of last ice age about 10,000 yr BP =400 Now in warm interglacial period Based on ice core data, analysis of trapped gas (CO 2 is measured directly; O 2 isotopes give temp. information) Correlation between CO 2 & mean temp.

11 Natural Climate Cycles CO 2 and Temperature correspond very closely What has caused past CO 2 variations? (ocean biological activity, ocean circulation patterns?) Past CO 2 max (~300ppm) Current CO 2 (~399 ppm)

12 Why have global temperature and CO 2 variations correlated so closely with each other in the pre-industrial past? --Positive feedback loop between temperature and ocean productivity (photosynthesis) may be key Warmer Global Temperatures More Greenhouse Effect Warmer Oceans Less CO 2 Removed from Atmosphere Less Productivity (photosynthesis) In Oceans

Lecture 10: Seasons and Ice Age. Earth s Orbit and Its Variations. Perihelion and Aphelion. Tilt Produces Seasons

Lecture 10: Seasons and Ice Age. Earth s Orbit and Its Variations. Perihelion and Aphelion. Tilt Produces Seasons Lecture 10: Seasons and Ice Age Earth s Orbit and Its Variations! Earth s Orbit and Its Variations! How Seasons Are produced! Milankovitch Theory on Glacial-Interglacial Cycle (from The Earth System)!

More information

Our Geologic Backdrop: Ice Age Cycles

Our Geologic Backdrop: Ice Age Cycles Introduction to Earth s Climate System Our Geologic Backdrop: Ice Age Cycles MODULE 2.4 2.4 Our Geologic Backdrop: Ice Age Cycles Lesson Goals»» Describe Earth s geologic variability over the past million

More information

The Ice Age sequence in the Quaternary

The Ice Age sequence in the Quaternary The Ice Age sequence in the Quaternary Subdivisions of the Quaternary Period System Series Stage Age (Ma) Holocene 0 0.0117 Tarantian (Upper) 0.0117 0.126 Quaternary Ionian (Middle) 0.126 0.781 Pleistocene

More information

History. Late 18 th /early 19 th century Europeans observed that erratic boulders dispersed due to the retention of glaciers caused by climate chance

History. Late 18 th /early 19 th century Europeans observed that erratic boulders dispersed due to the retention of glaciers caused by climate chance Ice ages What is an ice age? Geological period of long-term reduction in the temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere which results in the formation and expansion of continental ice sheets, polar

More information

Monday, December 4, 2017 The Pleistocene Glaciations (Chapter 14) Week 14 Assessment, closes Wednesday Dec 6

Monday, December 4, 2017 The Pleistocene Glaciations (Chapter 14) Week 14 Assessment, closes Wednesday Dec 6 Monday, December 4, 2017 The Pleistocene Glaciations (Chapter 14) Week 14 Assessment, closes Wednesday Dec 6 Week 15 Assessment will be last one, closes Wednesday Dec 13 Homework 5 due Wednesday, Dec 6

More information

Welcome to ATMS 111 Global Warming.

Welcome to ATMS 111 Global Warming. Welcome to ATMS 111 Global Warming http://www.atmos.washington.edu/2010q1/111 Isotopic Evidence 16 O isotopes "light 18 O isotopes "heavy" Evaporation favors light Rain favors heavy Cloud above ice is

More information

Lab 3. Orbital Configurations and Milankovitch Cycles

Lab 3. Orbital Configurations and Milankovitch Cycles Lab 3. Orbital Configurations and Milankovitch Cycles Vostok Isotope Record & Orbital Forcing Worksheet Chapter 14: Pleistocene Glaciation/Milankovitch 1. Review the effects of seasons on incoming insolation.

More information

Outline 23: The Ice Ages-Cenozoic Climatic History

Outline 23: The Ice Ages-Cenozoic Climatic History Outline 23: The Ice Ages-Cenozoic Climatic History Continental Glacier in Antarctica Valley Glaciers in Alaska, note the moraines Valley Glaciers in Alaska, note the moraines Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau,

More information

The Distribution of Cold Environments

The Distribution of Cold Environments The Distribution of Cold Environments Over 25% of the surface of our planet can be said to have a cold environment, but defining what we actually mean by that can be very challenging. This is because cold

More information

8. Climate changes Short-term regional variations

8. Climate changes Short-term regional variations 8. Climate changes 8.1. Short-term regional variations By short-term climate changes, we refer here to changes occurring over years to decades. Over this timescale, climate is influenced by interactions

More information

Climate and Environment

Climate and Environment Climate and Environment Oxygen Isotope Fractionation and Measuring Ancient Temperatures Oxygen Isotope Ratio Cycles Oxygen isotope ratio cycles are cyclical variations in the ratio of the mass of oxygen

More information

lecture 12 Paleoclimate

lecture 12 Paleoclimate lecture 12 Paleoclimate OVERVIEW OF EARTH S CLIMATIC HISTORY Geologic time scales http://www.snowballearth.org/index.html Features of the climate during the Cretaceous period the land-sea distribution

More information

ENIGMA: something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

ENIGMA: something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Lecture 12. Attempts to solve the Eccentricity Enigma ENIGMA: something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Milankovitch forcing glacier responses pre-900,000 yr BP glacier responses

More information

An Orbital Theory for Glacial Cycles

An Orbital Theory for Glacial Cycles An Orbital Theory for Glacial Cycles Peter Bogenschutz March 2006 1. Introduction In the late 1800's, when ice ages were first discovered, variations in Earth's orbital mechanics were hypothesized to be

More information

Glaciers and Ice Ages

Glaciers and Ice Ages ES 106 Glaciers and Ice Ages I. Glacier thick mass of ice accumulated over years, decades, centuries A. Function of recrystallization of fallen snow B. Types 1. alpine valley: a. high elevations worldwide

More information

Orbital-Scale Interactions in the Climate System. Speaker:

Orbital-Scale Interactions in the Climate System. Speaker: Orbital-Scale Interactions in the Climate System Speaker: Introduction First, many orbital-scale response are examined.then return to the problem of interactions between atmospheric CO 2 and the ice sheets

More information

Natural Climate Variability: Longer Term

Natural Climate Variability: Longer Term Natural Climate Variability: Longer Term Natural Climate Change Today: Natural Climate Change-2: Ice Ages, and Deep Time Geologic Time Scale background: Need a system for talking about unimaginable lengths

More information

Paleoclimatology ATMS/ESS/OCEAN 589. Abrupt Climate Change During the Last Glacial Period

Paleoclimatology ATMS/ESS/OCEAN 589. Abrupt Climate Change During the Last Glacial Period Paleoclimatology ATMS/ESS/OCEAN 589 Ice Age Cycles Are they fundamentaly about ice, about CO2, or both? Abrupt Climate Change During the Last Glacial Period Lessons for the future? The Holocene Early Holocene

More information

TOPIC #12 NATURAL CLIMATIC FORCING

TOPIC #12 NATURAL CLIMATIC FORCING TOPIC #12 NATURAL CLIMATIC FORCING (Start on p 67 in Class Notes) p 67 ENERGY BALANCE (review) Global climate variability and change are caused by changes in the ENERGY BALANCE that are FORCED review FORCING

More information

NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 32. Paleoclimate

NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 32. Paleoclimate NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 32 Paleoclimate Natural changes in the Earth s climate also occur at much longer timescales The study of prehistoric climates and their variability is called paleoclimate.

More information

ATMS 321: Natural Climate Variability Chapter 11

ATMS 321: Natural Climate Variability Chapter 11 ATMS 321: Natural Climate Variability Chapter 11 Solar Variability: Total solar irradiance variability is relatively small about a tenth of a percent. Ultraviolet variability is larger, and so could affect

More information

Chapter 6: Global Climate Change

Chapter 6: Global Climate Change Chapter 6: Global Climate Change Section 1: Paleoclimate The cross section of a tree trunk shows numerous rings. What do you think the light and dark rings represent? What can you infer about climate from

More information

Title: Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change 2/19. You should take notes for today s lecture & put the notes into your notebook

Title: Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change 2/19. You should take notes for today s lecture & put the notes into your notebook Title: Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change 2/19 You should take notes for today s lecture & put the notes into your notebook Summary of topics to will be discussed What causes climate to change? (2/19) Is

More information

Agronomy 406 World Climates

Agronomy 406 World Climates Agronomy 406 World Climates April 3, 2018 Causes of natural climate changes (finish). Schedule is being adjusted. No change to due dates. Bring IPCC Fifth Assessment Report Summary for Policymakers to

More information

Geos Orogeny-mountain building: existing mountain belts are the result of Cenozoic tectonics. Cenozoic tectonism and climate.

Geos Orogeny-mountain building: existing mountain belts are the result of Cenozoic tectonics. Cenozoic tectonism and climate. Geos 432-2 Cenozoic tectonism and climates; climate change Orogeny-mountain building: existing mountain belts are the result of Cenozoic tectonics Cenozoic tectonism and climate Movement of continents

More information

In the summer of 1836, Agassiz stayed with a well known geologist (Chapentier) who had been convinced by a collegue (Venetz) of extensive Alpine

In the summer of 1836, Agassiz stayed with a well known geologist (Chapentier) who had been convinced by a collegue (Venetz) of extensive Alpine 4 Cilvilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice, Will Durant. In 1807 the Geological Society of London had concerns that too many people would join: it was the sexy science

More information

Major climate change triggers

Major climate change triggers Major climate change triggers Variations in solar output Milankovitch cycles Elevation & distribution of continents Ocean interactions Atmospheric composition change (CO 2 and other volcanic gasses) Biological

More information

Development of the Global Environment

Development of the Global Environment Development of the Global Environment G302: Spring 2004 A course focused on exploration of changes in the Earth system through geological history Simon C. Brassell Geological Sciences simon@indiana.edu

More information

TOPIC #12. Wrap Up on GLOBAL CLIMATE PATTERNS

TOPIC #12. Wrap Up on GLOBAL CLIMATE PATTERNS TOPIC #12 Wrap Up on GLOBAL CLIMATE PATTERNS POLE EQUATOR POLE Now lets look at a Pole to Pole Transect review ENERGY BALANCE & CLIMATE REGIONS (wrap up) Tropics Subtropics Subtropics Polar Extratropics

More information

Orbital- Scale Climate Changes. GEOG 401: Climatology Dr. John Abatzoglou

Orbital- Scale Climate Changes. GEOG 401: Climatology Dr. John Abatzoglou Orbital- Scale Climate Changes GEOG 401: Climatology Dr. John Abatzoglou Ice Core Sampling Typically performed at top of ice dome where less lateral spreading occurs Diffusion issue can make high- resoluion

More information

Introduction to Climate Change

Introduction to Climate Change Ch 19 Climate Change Introduction to Climate Change Throughout time, the earth's climate has always been changing produced ice ages Hence, climate variations have been noted in the past what physical processes

More information

Milankovitch Theory of the Ice Ages

Milankovitch Theory of the Ice Ages Ruddiman CHAPTER 10 Insolation Control of Ice Sheets Milankovitch Theory of the Ice Ages margin of Greenland ice sheet Today s main points: 1) Review of glaciology basics. 2) Orbital changes affecting

More information

Seasonal & Diurnal Temp Variations. Earth-Sun Distance. Eccentricity 2/2/2010. ATS351 Lecture 3

Seasonal & Diurnal Temp Variations. Earth-Sun Distance. Eccentricity 2/2/2010. ATS351 Lecture 3 Seasonal & Diurnal Temp Variations ATS351 Lecture 3 Earth-Sun Distance Change in distance has only a minimal effect on seasonal temperature. Note that during the N. hemisphere winter, we are CLOSER to

More information

WELCOME TO PERIOD 14:CLIMATE CHANGE. Homework #13 is due today.

WELCOME TO PERIOD 14:CLIMATE CHANGE. Homework #13 is due today. WELCOME TO PERIOD 14:CLIMATE CHANGE Homework #13 is due today. Note: Homework #14 due on Thursday or Friday includes using a web site to calculate your carbon footprint. You should complete this homework

More information

Pleistocene Glaciations

Pleistocene Glaciations Chapter 14 Pleistocene Glaciations I. Geologic evidence 1. glacial deposits, etc. Pleistocene Glaciations 2. The Oxygen Isotope Record (1970s) II. Explanation of the glacial-interglacial periods The Milankovitch

More information

Ice Ages and Changes in Earth s Orbit. Topic Outline

Ice Ages and Changes in Earth s Orbit. Topic Outline Ice Ages and Changes in Earth s Orbit Topic Outline Introduction to the Quaternary Oxygen isotopes as an indicator of ice volume Temporal variations in ice volume Periodic changes in Earth s orbit Relationship

More information

Glacial-Interglacial Cycling: Ice, orbital theory, and climate. Dr. Tracy M. Quan IMCS

Glacial-Interglacial Cycling: Ice, orbital theory, and climate. Dr. Tracy M. Quan IMCS Glacial-Interglacial Cycling: Ice, orbital theory, and climate Dr. Tracy M. Quan IMCS quan@marine.rutgers.edu Outline -The past - discovery of glacial periods - introduction of orbital theory -The present

More information

Global Climate Change

Global Climate Change Global Climate Change Milankovitch Cycles Comprised of 3 dominant cycles: 1. Eccentricity 2. Axial Tilt 3. Precession Named after Milutin Milankovitch. Serbian astronomer/mathematician. Credited with calculating

More information

MAR110 LECTURE #28 Climate Change I

MAR110 LECTURE #28 Climate Change I 25 November 2007 MAR 110 Lec28 Climate Change I 1 MAR110 LECTURE #28 Climate Change I Figure 28.1 Climate Change Diagnostics Drought and flooding represent just a couple of hazards related to climate variability

More information

MAR110 LECTURE #22 Climate Change

MAR110 LECTURE #22 Climate Change MAR 110: Lecture 22 Outline Climate Change 1 MAR110 LECTURE #22 Climate Change Climate Change Diagnostics Drought and flooding represent just a couple of hazards related to climate variability (O) The

More information

( 1 d 2 ) (Inverse Square law);

( 1 d 2 ) (Inverse Square law); ATMO 336 -- Exam 3 120 total points including take-home essay Name The following equations and relationships may prove useful. F d1 =F d2 d 2 2 ( 1 d 2 ) (Inverse Square law);! MAX = 0.29 " 104 µmk (Wien's

More information

Chapter 14: The Changing Climate

Chapter 14: The Changing Climate Chapter 14: The Changing Climate Detecting Climate Change Natural Causes of Climate Change Anthropogenic Causes of Climate Change Possible Consequences of Global Warming Climate Change? -Paleo studies

More information

"Global Warming Beer" Taps Melted Arctic Ice (UPDATE)

Global Warming Beer Taps Melted Arctic Ice (UPDATE) "Global Warming Beer" Taps Melted Arctic Ice (UPDATE) The brewery filed for bankruptcy in Aug 2008 The Greenland Brewhouse is the world's first Inuit microbrewery. The water, the brewers say, is the beer's

More information

The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change This image sequence shows the dramatic retreat of the Franz Josef glacier (New Zealand) from 1951 to 1964. There are several natural causes of climate change and

More information

CLIMATE. SECTION 14.1 Defining Climate

CLIMATE. SECTION 14.1 Defining Climate Date Period Name CLIMATE SECTION.1 Defining Climate In your textbook, read about climate and different types of climate data. Put a check ( ) next to the types of data that describe climate. 1. annual

More information

Lecture 7: Natural Climate Change. Instructor: Prof. Johnny Luo.

Lecture 7: Natural Climate Change. Instructor: Prof. Johnny Luo. Lecture 7: Natural Climate Change Instructor: Prof. Johnny Luo http://www.sci.ccny.cuny.edu/~luo Final Exam: May 23 1-3:15pm at MR O44 Outlines (Chapter 11, Edition 1) 1. Variation in solar luminosity

More information

Climate. What is climate? STUDY GUIDE FOR CONTENT MASTERY. Name Class Date

Climate. What is climate? STUDY GUIDE FOR CONTENT MASTERY. Name Class Date Climate SECTION 14.1 What is climate? In your textbook, read about climate and different types of climate data. Put a check ( ) next to the types of data that describe climate. 1. annual wind speed 4.

More information

Quarternary Climate Variations

Quarternary Climate Variations Quarternary Climate Variations EAS 303 Lecture 34 Background and History Louis Agassiz (1840): recognition of Ice Ages Harold Urey (1947): The Thermodynamic Properties of Isotopic Substances calculated

More information

How do glaciers form?

How do glaciers form? Glaciers What is a Glacier? A large mass of moving ice that exists year round is called a glacier. Glaciers are formed when snowfall exceeds snow melt year after year Snow and ice remain on the ground

More information

Today we will discuss global climate: how it has changed in the past, and how the current status and possible future look.

Today we will discuss global climate: how it has changed in the past, and how the current status and possible future look. Global Climate Change Today we will discuss global climate: how it has changed in the past, and how the current status and possible future look. If you live in an area such as the Mississippi delta (pictured)

More information

4 Changes in Climate. TAKE A LOOK 2. Explain Why is more land exposed during glacial periods than at other times?

4 Changes in Climate. TAKE A LOOK 2. Explain Why is more land exposed during glacial periods than at other times? Name Class CHAPTER 3 Date Climate 4 Changes in Climate SECTION National Science Education Standards BEFORE YOU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: ES 1k, 2a

More information

What is Climate? Understanding and predicting climatic changes are the basic goals of climatology.

What is Climate? Understanding and predicting climatic changes are the basic goals of climatology. What is Climate? Understanding and predicting climatic changes are the basic goals of climatology. Climatology is the study of Earth s climate and the factors that affect past, present, and future climatic

More information

The ocean s overall role in climate

The ocean s overall role in climate The ocean s overall role in climate - moderates climate in time (diurnally, annually) - redistributes heat spatially in the largescale ocean circulation - lower albedo (sea ice higher albedo) - dry atmosphere

More information

Climate Change: Past and Future ERTH 303, 3 December, 2009

Climate Change: Past and Future ERTH 303, 3 December, 2009 Climate Change: Past and Future ERTH 303, 3 December, 2009 a) Defining climate change b) Patterns of past climate change c) Causes of past climate change 1 2006 temperature relative to 1951-1980 means

More information

Glaciers. A glacier is a persistent mass of ice: snow accumulation exceeds melting. generally occur in two areas: high latitudes, or high elevations

Glaciers. A glacier is a persistent mass of ice: snow accumulation exceeds melting. generally occur in two areas: high latitudes, or high elevations Page 1 of7 Glaciers A glacier is a persistent mass of ice: snow accumulation exceeds melting generally occur in two areas: high latitudes, or high elevations hence CONTINENTAL and ALPINE glaciation Glaciers

More information

Section 3. Climate and the General Circulation Causes of Climate Change

Section 3. Climate and the General Circulation Causes of Climate Change Section 3. Climate and the General Circulation Causes of Climate Change Why the earth s climate changes is not totally understood. Many theories attempt to explain the changing climate, but no single theory

More information

Observation: predictable patterns of ecosystem distribution across Earth. Observation: predictable patterns of ecosystem distribution across Earth 1.

Observation: predictable patterns of ecosystem distribution across Earth. Observation: predictable patterns of ecosystem distribution across Earth 1. Climate Chap. 2 Introduction I. Forces that drive climate and their global patterns A. Solar Input Earth s energy budget B. Seasonal cycles C. Atmospheric circulation D. Oceanic circulation E. Landform

More information

A brief lesson on oxygen isotopes. more ice less ice

A brief lesson on oxygen isotopes. more ice less ice A brief lesson on oxygen isotopes Figure from Raymo and Huybers, 2008 more ice less ice The Pleistocene (1) δ 18 O in sediments is directly related to ice volume. Because ice sheets deplete the supply

More information

Reasons for the seasons - Rebecca Kaplan

Reasons for the seasons - Rebecca Kaplan Reasons for the seasons - Rebecca Kaplan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd_8jm5ptlk https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html https://www.time.gov/ https://www.space.com/33790-harvest-moon-guide.html

More information

Climate Changes due to Natural Processes

Climate Changes due to Natural Processes Climate Changes due to Natural Processes 2.6.2a Summarize natural processes that can and have affected global climate (particularly El Niño/La Niña, volcanic eruptions, sunspots, shifts in Earth's orbit,

More information

How Do Earth s Orbital Variations Affect Climate?

How Do Earth s Orbital Variations Affect Climate? Activity 3 How Do Earth s Orbital Variations Affect Climate? Activity 3 How Do Earth s Orbital Variations Affect Climate? Goals In this activity you will: Understand that Earth has an axial tilt of about

More information

November 20, NOTES ES Rotation, Rev, Tilt.notebook. vertically. night. night. counterclockwise. counterclockwise. East. Foucault.

November 20, NOTES ES Rotation, Rev, Tilt.notebook. vertically. night. night. counterclockwise. counterclockwise. East. Foucault. NOTES ES, Rev,.notebook, and Rotates on an imaginary axis that runs from the to the South North Pole Pole vertically North The of the axis points to a point in space near day Pole Polaris night Responsible

More information

Aim: What causes Seasons?

Aim: What causes Seasons? Notepack 28 Aim: What causes Seasons? Do Now: What is the difference between revolution and rotation? Earth s rotation The Earth rotates on its axis (imaginary vertical line around which Earth spins) every

More information

Glaciers. Valley and Piedmont Glaciers. Glaciers, Gloobal Warming El Niño and the Southern Oscillation. Ice Age Sea Level on North America

Glaciers. Valley and Piedmont Glaciers. Glaciers, Gloobal Warming El Niño and the Southern Oscillation. Ice Age Sea Level on North America Glaciers, Gloobal Warming El Niño and the Southern Oscillation Glaciers Earth Science: Ch 20, p. 573-581 STM: Ch 25, p. 545-568 Earth Science Chapter 6 p. 154-159, 168-173 Southern Hemisphere Northern

More information

Meteorology Practice Test

Meteorology Practice Test Meteorology Practice Test 1. Transition zones between two air masses of different densities are called what? 2. A front occurs when a cold air mass replaces a warmer one. 3. A front occurs when a warm

More information

Name Date Class. growth rings of trees, fossilized pollen, and ocean. in the northern hemisphere.

Name Date Class. growth rings of trees, fossilized pollen, and ocean. in the northern hemisphere. Lesson Outline LESSON 2 A. Long-Term Cycles 1. A(n) climate cycle takes much longer than a lifetime to complete. a. To learn about long-term climate cycles, scientists study natural records, such as growth

More information

Summary. The Ice Ages and Global Climate

Summary. The Ice Ages and Global Climate The Ice Ages and Global Climate Summary Earth s climate system involves the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Changes affecting it operate on time scales ranging from decades to millions

More information

School Name Team # International Academy East Meteorology Test Graphs, Pictures, and Diagrams Diagram #1

School Name Team # International Academy East Meteorology Test Graphs, Pictures, and Diagrams Diagram #1 School Name Team # International Academy East Meteorology Test Graphs, Pictures, and Diagrams Diagram #1 Use the map above, and the locations marked A-F, to answer the following questions. 1. The center

More information

Chp Spectral analysis a. Requires that the climate record must be at least 4 times longer than the cycled analyzed

Chp Spectral analysis a. Requires that the climate record must be at least 4 times longer than the cycled analyzed Chp 7 1. Earth s seasons are caused by a. The movement of the Sun from North to South of the equator and back again over a year s time b. The distance between Earth and the Sun c. The rate of Earth s movement

More information

Lecture 3: Global Energy Cycle

Lecture 3: Global Energy Cycle Lecture 3: Global Energy Cycle Planetary energy balance Greenhouse Effect Vertical energy balance Latitudinal energy balance Seasonal and diurnal cycles Solar Flux and Flux Density Solar Luminosity (L)

More information

Geol. 656 Isotope Geochemistry

Geol. 656 Isotope Geochemistry STABLE ISOTOPES IN PALEOCLIMATOLOGY I INTRODUCTION At least since the classic work of Louis Agassiz in 1840, geologists have contemplated the question of how the Earth s climate might have varied in the

More information

Ice on Earth: An overview and examples on physical properties

Ice on Earth: An overview and examples on physical properties Ice on Earth: An overview and examples on physical properties - Ice on Earth during the Pleistocene - Present-day polar and temperate ice masses - Transformation of snow to ice - Mass balance, ice deformation,

More information

Lecture 21: Glaciers and Paleoclimate Read: Chapter 15 Homework due Thursday Nov. 12. What we ll learn today:! Learning Objectives (LO)

Lecture 21: Glaciers and Paleoclimate Read: Chapter 15 Homework due Thursday Nov. 12. What we ll learn today:! Learning Objectives (LO) Learning Objectives (LO) Lecture 21: Glaciers and Paleoclimate Read: Chapter 15 Homework due Thursday Nov. 12 What we ll learn today:! 1. 1. Glaciers and where they occur! 2. 2. Compare depositional and

More information

Early Earth. Geologic Time. Rise of Oxygen. Early Life. Scott Denning CSU Atmospheric Science 1

Early Earth. Geologic Time. Rise of Oxygen. Early Life. Scott Denning CSU Atmospheric Science 1 Geologic Time Precambrian, and then everything else! (It s always down there) Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Fossils told this story Early Earth Formed by accretion ~ 4.7 billion years ago Solar constant

More information

Earth s Heat Budget. What causes the seasons? Seasons

Earth s Heat Budget. What causes the seasons? Seasons Earth s Heat Budget Solar energy and the global heat budget Transfer of heat drives weather and climate Ocean circulation A. Rotation of the Earth B. Distance from the Sun C. Variations of Earth s orbit

More information

What causes Earth to have seasons?

What causes Earth to have seasons? Seasons What causes Earth to have seasons? The distance to Earth does NOT cause seasons seasons are caused by : 1. the tilt of the earth on its axis (23.5 degrees) 2.revolution of earth around the sun

More information

Paleoceanography II Telluric Effects on Oceanography

Paleoceanography II Telluric Effects on Oceanography Paleoceanography II Telluric Effects on Oceanography Geological Oceanography OCN 622 Gary McMurtry Telluric Effects Tellus = Earth Distribution of Continents at 100 Ma BP and Present Comparison of Earth

More information

Chapter Introduction. Earth. Change. Chapter Wrap-Up

Chapter Introduction. Earth. Change. Chapter Wrap-Up Chapter Introduction Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Climates of Earth Chapter Wrap-Up Climate Cycles Recent Climate Change What is climate and how does it impact life on Earth? What do you think? Before you

More information

Extent of Periglacial = Global Permafrost Permafrost: Soil and/or rock where temperatures remain below 0 degrees C for 2 or more years.

Extent of Periglacial = Global Permafrost Permafrost: Soil and/or rock where temperatures remain below 0 degrees C for 2 or more years. Geog 1000 - Lecture 34 Periglacial Environments and Paleoclimatology http://scholar.ulethbridge.ca/chasmer/classes/ Today s Lecture (Pgs 422-434) 1. Exam questions from last week, and today 2. Extent of

More information

ASD4: Orbital Perturbations

ASD4: Orbital Perturbations Astrodynamics ASD4: By Prof. Gregory D. Durgin In our studies of Astrodynamics, everything has been an ideal 2-body system that behaves with simple elliptical geometry. In this unit, we cover several non-ideal

More information

Understanding past climate change

Understanding past climate change Steven J. Phipps ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science Climate Change Research Centre University of New South Wales CLIM1001 Introduction to Climate Change 3 September 2013 1 Why past climates

More information

Chapter 14: Climate Change

Chapter 14: Climate Change Chapter 14: Climate Change Goals of Period 14 Section 14.1: To review the energy balance of the Earth and the enhanced greenhouse effect Section 14.2: To examine evidence for climate change Section 14.3:

More information

Glacial Geomorphology Lecture 1: Glaciers & Glacial Environments. GGY 166: Geomorphology of Southern Africa

Glacial Geomorphology Lecture 1: Glaciers & Glacial Environments. GGY 166: Geomorphology of Southern Africa Glacial Geomorphology Lecture 1: Glaciers & Glacial Environments GGY 166: Geomorphology of Southern Africa Relevance in Southern African Context South African landscape has been influenced by glacial action

More information

Weather & Ocean Currents

Weather & Ocean Currents Weather & Ocean Currents Earth is heated unevenly Causes: Earth is round Earth is tilted on an axis Earth s orbit is eliptical Effects: Convection = vertical circular currents caused by temperature differences

More information

The following terms are some of the vocabulary that students should be familiar with in order to fully master this lesson.

The following terms are some of the vocabulary that students should be familiar with in order to fully master this lesson. Lesson 211: EARTH'S SEASONS Students learn the complex geometry and planetary motions that cause Earth to have four distinct seasons. Fundamental Questions Attempting to give thorough and reasonable answers

More information

Global climate change

Global climate change Global climate change What is climate change? This winter was really cold! Temp difference ( C): Jan 2004 vs. Jan 2002-2003 Make your own maps at: http://www.giss.nasa.gov/data/update/gistemp/maps/ 1 What

More information

Chapter 15: Weather and Climate

Chapter 15: Weather and Climate Chapter 15: Weather and Climate Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1. The short-term state of the atmosphere is called a. climate. c. water cycle.

More information

Seasonal & Daily Temperatures

Seasonal & Daily Temperatures Seasonal & Daily Temperatures Photo MER Variations in energy input control seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations 1 Cause of the Seasons The tilt of the Earth s axis relative to the plane of its orbit

More information

Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. CH.15 practice TEST Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1) The short-term state of the atmosphere is called a) climate. c) water cycle. b) weather.

More information

Pleistocene Glaciation (Ch.14) Geologic evidence Milankovitch cycles Glacial climate feedbacks

Pleistocene Glaciation (Ch.14) Geologic evidence Milankovitch cycles Glacial climate feedbacks Pleistocene Glaciation (Ch.14) Geologic evidence Milankovitch cycles Glacial climate feedbacks End of last ice-age rise of human civilization Modern ice-ages begin Asteroid impact end of dinosaurs Cambrian

More information

Earth s Heat Budget. What causes the seasons? Seasons

Earth s Heat Budget. What causes the seasons? Seasons Earth s Heat Budget Solar energy and the global heat budget Transfer of heat drives weather and climate Ocean circulation A. Rotation of the Earth B. Distance from the Sun C. Variations of Earth s orbit

More information

MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM ANSWERS

MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM ANSWERS MIDTERM PRACTICE EXAM ANSWERS 1. (2) Location B shows that the altitude of the noon Sun increases between Dec 21. and June 21. Location B also shows that the Dec. 21 noon Sun is at an altitude of approximately

More information

Understanding the Polar Regions in Climate Change

Understanding the Polar Regions in Climate Change AWG Glenwood Sprs, Oct 2007 Understanding the Polar Regions in Climate Change STEM Polar Connections Outline -- What are the Polar Regions Important to Everyone? Geography of the Poles Oceans, land, sea

More information

We re living in the Ice Age!

We re living in the Ice Age! Chapter 18. Coping with the Weather: Causes and Consequences of Naturally Induce Climate Change 지구시스템의이해 We re living in the Ice Age! 1 Phanerozoic Climate 서늘해지고 더웠고 따뜻했고 3 Climate Rollercoaster 4 2 Time

More information

Earth s Heat Budget. What causes the seasons?

Earth s Heat Budget. What causes the seasons? Earth s Heat Budget Solar Energy and the global Heat Budget Transfer of heat drives weather and climate Ocean circulation Should we talk about this? What causes the seasons? Before you answer, think. What

More information

Today s Climate in Perspective: Hendrick Avercamp ( ) ~1608; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Today s Climate in Perspective: Hendrick Avercamp ( ) ~1608; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Today s Climate in Perspective: Paleoclimate Evidence Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634) ~1608; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Observations Instrumental surface temperature records? (Le Treut et al., 2007 IPCC AR4

More information

NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 7. The Seasons

NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 7. The Seasons NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 7 The Seasons The Importance of Seasons The seasons govern both natural and human patterns of behavior. Some big and small examples: Planting and harvesting of crops Migratory

More information

Topic 6: Insolation and the Seasons

Topic 6: Insolation and the Seasons Topic 6: Insolation and the Seasons Solar Radiation and Insolation Insolation: In Sol ation The Sun is the primary source of energy for the earth. The rate at which energy is radiated is called Intensity

More information

Name Homeroom. Science Quiz Day/Night, Sun s Energy, Seasons September 24, 2012

Name Homeroom. Science Quiz Day/Night, Sun s Energy, Seasons September 24, 2012 Name Homeroom Science Quiz Day/Night, Sun s Energy, Seasons September 24, 2012 1. The winter solstice occurs on either December 21 or 22, depending on the year. Which of the following statements best explains

More information

Weather Review. Use this graph to answer the next questions. A B C D

Weather Review. Use this graph to answer the next questions. A B C D Weather Review 1. Which of the following lists elements of the weather? a. Radiation, Wind Speed, Precipitation b. Soil type, Plate type, Water type c. Temperature, Precipitation, Air Pressure d. Ocean

More information