Weather Vs. Climate Chapter 14 Weather: Conditions of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, for short periods of time (days). Climate: Long-term averages of weather (Averaged over 30 yrs). Weather Vs. Climate Factors Which Create Climate Zones Example: What is the current weather in Benton County? How would you describe the climate of Benton County? 1
Factors Which Create Climate Zones Many factors affect climate: 1. The Sun Radiation given off by the Sun. Latitude affects amount of radiation received. Solar radiation absorbed or reflected. The Sun Factors Which Create Climate Zones 2. Volcanic Eruptions Factors Which Create Climate Zones 3. Elevation (mountains) 2
Factors Which Create Climate Zones 4. Large bodies of water (oceans) Coastline vs. inland Ocean currents Factors Which Create Climate Zones 5. Global Wind Patterns #1 Sun: Radiation Given Off by the Sun The amount of radiation given off by the Sun varies. Sunspots = Storms that erupt and send solar flares and energy into space. 11-year cycle (solar min-max) #1 Sun: Radiation Given Off by the Sun Many sunspots = warmer temp. Few sunspots = colder temp. 3
#2 Sun: Effect of Latitude The further you travel from the equator, the colder it gets. Why? The Sun s radiation hits higher latitudes less direct. Equator has DIRECT rays. Poles have INDIRECT rays. #2 Sun: Effect of Latitude Because the Earth is tilted: During part of the year, each pole receives no sunlight. Polar Night ~ 6 Months! 4
#3 Sun: Solar radiation absorbed or reflected Earth s surface features determine if radiation is REFLECTED or absorbed. The poles are cold not only because of their latitude, but also because ice reflects much of the incoming radiation. #3 Sun: Solar radiation absorbed or reflected Feedback Loops Positive Feedback Loop: Exaggerates and makes changes more extreme Negative Feedback Loop: Brings systems back to normal 5
Feedback Loops Ice Age Positive Feedback Loop Low Sunspot Activity = lower temperatures. Low Temp = more ice and snow Ice and snow reflect more solar radiation Temperature gets even colder. 2. Volcanic Eruptions Large eruptions release aerosols into atmosphere Aerosols = small particles. Aerosols block solar radiation and cause short-time cooling for up to a few years. 2. Volcanic Eruptions 6
3. Elevation (Mountains) Mountain climates are cooler, as atmospheric temperature decreases with altitude. High elevations may allow snow to form in the tropics. One side of the mountain is drier than the other. 3. Elevation (Mountains) Inland Vs. Coastal Temperature Find Indiana. What is the average minimum temperature? Travel to the east or west coast at the same latitude. What is the average minimum temperature? Inland Vs. Coastal Temperature 7
Inland Vs. Coastal Temperature Places of the same latitude should receive the same amount of solar radiation. What might explain this difference in temperature? A. Coastline Climate Vs. Inland Water heats and cools slower than land. (doesn t get as cold in the winter, or as hot in the summer) Coastline cities are insulated by the breeze coming off the water. A. Coastline Climate Vs. Inland Coastline cities have more moderate climate. Inland cities have more extreme climate (hotter in the summer, colder in the winter) than inland cities. Inland Vs. Coastal Temperature 8
B. Ocean Currents Ocean currents circulate Earth s heat energy. The effect of ocean currents on climate depends on the direction of the current. B. Ocean Currents From Equator, warm water is moved towards the poles. From poles, cold water is moved towards the Equator. B. Ocean Currents B. Ocean Currents From Equator, warm water is moved towards the poles. From poles, cold water is moved towards the Equator. 9
5. Latitude and Global Wind Global wind patterns affect precipitation. Much rain & rainforests at low latitudes. Little rain & deserts at 30 Lat. Mid-latitudes: Our weather comes from the west. Tropical: Hurricanes come from the east. 5. Latitude and Global Wind 5. Latitude and Global Wind Global wind patterns affect precipitation. Much rain & rainforests at low latitudes. Little rain & deserts at 30 Lat. Mid-latitudes: Our weather comes from the west. Tropical: Hurricanes come from the east. 10
14.2: Climate Classifications Climates are classified based on three main characteristic 1. Temperature: monthly and annual averages 2. Precipitation patterns 3. Vegetation Tropical Moist Climates Year-round average temperature above 67 F (18 C) Located between 23.5 N and 23.5 S latitude. Direct solar radiation all year. Lots of clouds and rain. 11
Dry Climates Low/deficient precipitation annually. Found at 30 N and 30 S latitude Dry Climates 12
Mid-Latitude Climates Mild Winters 30-60 N to 30-60 S Oceans insulate : More stable temperatures. Cold Winters 30-60 N to 30-60 S Inland, middle of continent Polar Climates 60-90 N to 60-90 S Extremely cold winters and summers due to indirect sunlight. 13
Four Sphere System Earth can be divided into 4 systems that each have a specific role. Lithosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere Atmosphere Lithosphere What makes up the lithosphere? (List 4 components) Rocks Minerals Volcanoes Fossil Fuels Lithosphere What are the major occurrences in the lithosphere? The Rock Cycle Plate Tectonics Earthquakes Volcanoes Lithosphere When decomposing organic matter in sediments is subjected to intense heat and pressure, what does it turn into? Coal, petroleum, natural gas. (Carbon sources) 14
Hydrosphere Hydrosphere How much of the Earth is covered by water? What is water in the atmosphere called? What happens when water vapor in the atmosphere cools? Biosphere List 4 examples of parts of the biosphere: Plants, Animals, Fungi, Bacteria What cycles outside of the biosphere are important for living things? The water cycle The nitrogen cycle The carbon cycle The phosphorus cycle 15
Consider the Following: Where does the oxygen plants produce come from? Atmosphere What two main gasses make up 99% of the air in the atmosphere? Nitrogen: 78% Oxygen: 21% What are 3 major greenhouse gasses? Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Water Vapor (H2O) Greenhouse gasses therefore make up less than 1% of the total gasses in the atmosphere. The Carbon Cycle Most of Earth s carbon about 65,500 billion metric tons is stored in rocks. The rest is in the ocean, atmosphere, plants, soil, and fossil fuels. What is a hydrocarbon? Where are most found? In what form is carbon found in the oceans? Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Hydrocarbons 16
Hydrocarbons Hydrocarbons The Carbon Cycle In what form is carbon found in the biosphere? Sugars, Protein, Methane (CH4) In what form is carbon found in the atmosphere? Carbon Dioxide and Methane Which sphere of Earth contains the least amount of Carbon? The atmosphere. 17
Sources of Greenhouse Gases Carbon Dioxide: CO 2 There are 4 main greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, N2O, and H2O Today, only 5% of CO2 in the atmosphere comes from natural processes such as cellular respiration. 95% of ATMOSPHERIC CO2 comes from human activity, such as combustion. Most abundant human caused GHG Sources of Greenhouse Gases Methane: CH 4 Compared to CO2, there is much less CH4 in the atmosphere. BUT, it can trap 20x more heat than CO2. YET, it has a short lifespan and breaks down with time. Sources: Livestock digestion, landfill waste, burning fossil fuel. Sources of Greenhouse Gases Nitrous Oxide: N 2 O Only a small amount in the atmosphere. BUT, it can trap 300x more heat in than CO2 Natural Sources: Soil and ocean release N2O into the atmosphere. Human Sources: Agriculture, fuel combustion in motor vehicles. Sources of Greenhouse Gases Water Vapor: H 2 O Most abundant GHG in the atmosphere. Has the biggest impact on temperature compared to all the other GHGs Traps 2/3rds of all the heat trapped by the atmosphere. Water vapor is in constant flux between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. 18
Sources of Greenhouse Gases Water Vapor: H 2 O Changes in its movement between these systems could have a significant impact on the warming and cooling of the atmosphere. Yet, water vapor levels have been constant throughout history, so it does not appear to be responsible for the warming Earth is undergoing. Greenhouse Effect Vs. Global Warming Greenhouse Effect Traps just enough heat to keep Earth at a habitable temperature. We NEED the greenhouse effect 19
Greenhouse Effect Vs. Global Warming Global Warming Increase in Earth s global temperatures BEYOND the Greenhouse Effect. Primarily due to increased CO2 levels due to humans burning fossil fuels. Since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels have increased 41% Climate Change Positive and Negative Feedback Loops Positive Feedback: Global Warming Negative Feedback?: Global Warming 20
Consider the Following What affect does global warming have on the oceans? Global Warming Debate There is no debate among scientists that climate change is occurring. The only debates scientists are having are about the potential outcomes. Predictions are difficult to make because climate is affected by many factors. Global Warming Debate Scientists are unable to directly test climate in the laboratory. Relies on computer simulations to make predictions. Global Warming Debate The Debate: Which of the following will increasing water vapor create? "Everyone agrees that if you add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, then warming will result, So the real question is, how much warming? Andrew Dessler (Texas A&M) 21
What will happen? Positive Feedback: Increasing H2O vapor will trap more heat and warming will continue Negative Feedback: Increasing H2O vapor will create clouds and block the Sun causing temperatures to stabilize. Effects of Climate Change There are direct correlations between an increase in greenhouse gases and: 1. Global temperature changes 2. Sea level changes 3. Weather event frequency changes 4. Ocean acidification changes Temperature Change Both land and ocean temperatures are increasing Land temperatures are increasing faster than water. Why? Water has a higher specific heat: the heat required to raise the temperature of a given substance by a given amount 22
Temperature Change More heat waves affecting midlatitudes (Indiana) Summer 2016 was one of hottest on record in the lower 48 states. Every state was above average for temperature. Temperature Change Temperature Change The amount of sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost has decreased due to melting. Sea Ice Minimum 1984 Vs. 2012 23
Temperature Change Sea Level Change Sea level has risen worldwide ~ 20cm since the 1960 s. As oceans warm, the water molecules move faster, and the water expands. (volume increases) Melting glaciers and ice sheets release more water. 24
Weather Event Frequency Changes Increase in frequency of extreme weather events: Drought, hurricanes, flooding, blizzards Mid-latitude changes: Increase in rain in the winter and/or heavy snowfall Weather Event Frequency Changes Mediterranean & Africa: Droughts have increased Hurricanes: Increased hurricane intensity and strength due to warmer oceans (not frequency!) Move further towards poles before stopping. (pushing further N up the east coast) Ocean Acidification Changes Oceans are natural reservoirs for Carbon Dioxide (CO2). As CO2 is absorbed, the oceans become more acidic (carbonic acid) Effects: formation of coral, shells, crabs, snails, clams, affecting the entire reef system. Ocean Acidification Changes Oceans will NOT be able to continue absorbing CO2 at the rates it is being added. 25
Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture Strategies to Limit Climate Change Strategies are aimed at reducing atmospheric CO2 Clean Energy (Wind, Solar, Geothermal) International Awareness (Paris Agreement) Developing Vs. Developed Nations Developing: Have less money to pay for the controls needed. Money spent to limit GHGs would put their country in poverty. Argue that developed countries caused climate change developed nations should be the ones to pay. Developed Vs. Developing Nations Developed: Think developing nations would have an economic advantage if they don t have to follow the same regulations. 26
Developed Vs. Developing Nations Personal Awareness What is your carbon footprint? How can you decrease it? (Check out the link on the class website!) Upwelling Upward motion of ocean water. Cold because it originates at the bottom of the ocean. Usually occurs on the west coast of continents in the area of trade winds. Upwelling 27
Upwelling Rich in nutrients Supports abundant marine life Good fishing off of Peru and California. El Niño: Defined Unusually warm ocean water off the west coast of South America Equatorial winds blowing from West to East (opposite of normal equatorial winds) Pushes hot moist air and water east towards N. and S. America El Niño: Effects on Climate Causes NW coast of South America to be warmer and wetter than normal. Little upwelling Commercial fishing suffers. 28
El Niño: Effects on U.S. Brings winter storms to California and SW U.S. Warmer winter for entire US, including Indiana(dry). Benefits: Upper winds prevent hurricane formation in the SE La Niña: Defined Unusually cold ocean water off the west coast of South America Equatorial winds blowing stronger than normal from East to West Pushes hot moist air and water away from N and S America La Niña: Effects on Climate Can cause droughts to the southern U.S. Brings cooler temperatures and heavy precipitation to the pacific Northwest Cold air pushes south and brings lake effect snow to Indiana. 29