Eliminating possible explanations for this most recent global warming... Directi

Question

Eliminating possible explanations for this most recent global warming... Directions: If you have not already done so, read Ch. 7 in its entirety. Then, answer the following questions below 40 points) 1. Tectonic Motions (4 pts) In what ways can tectonic movement alter the global climate? (2) Is tectonic motion responsible for this most recent global warming? Why? (2) a. b. 2. Solar Output (5 pts) a. b. C. How many years is the period of solar output variation? (1) Why does Earth's climate not respond much to solar output variations? (2) Why is the sun not responsible for this most recent global warming? (2) 3. Earth's Orbit Changes (10 pts) What is the name of the cycles of Earth's orbital variations called? (1) List and explain in detail three main ways t Include a description of the average time period and how it might affect Earth's climate and or seasons? (9) a. b. that Earth's orbital path varies over time 4. Internal Variability (10 pts) What is the difference between forced climate variability and internal climate variability? (2) a. b. What is El Niño ('El-'neen'-yo) Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and why is it an example of internal climate variability? Describe in detail the difference between El Niño and La Niña. (6) You may use the lecture or other external references and resources to answer this question. c. How might a very strong ElI Nino affect California weather patterns? (2) Greenhouse Gases (10 pts) 5. a. b. c. d. What is the PETM? (2) Why is it a good analog for this most current global warming? (2) What is the key difference between the PETM and this most current warming? (2) What is the last, very strong, argument that the chapter provides as a reason why anthropogenic greenhouse gases is responsible for the global warming after 1960? Explain the argument (2)

Explanation / Answer

1(a) A number of tectonic processes are linked both directly and indirectly to a wide range of climate forcings, so the direct role of plate tectonics in specific ancient climate events is often difficult to decipher. In addition to the direct climatic effects of horizontal and vertical tectonics, paleogeography strongly influences the climate system’s sensitivity to external forcing and provides the basic framework for studying ancient climate change over geological timescales. While the relative contributions of greenhouse gas concentrations and plate tectonics in the evolution of the Earth’s climate continues to be debated, tectonic processes influence the composition of the atmosphere, so the two cannot be entirely separated. Tectonically forced changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation have greatly influenced the evolution of specific regional climates; however, their potential to produce the full range of global climatic variability recognized in the geologic record may not be as great as once suspected.

1(b) Yes, tectonic processes are usually associated with slowly evolving climate change, there are important exceptions. Volcanism’s essentially instantaneous effect on the atmosphere provides one example. Less obvious is the climate system’s potential to respond non-linearly to the most gradual tectonic forcing, with sometimes sudden and extreme consequences. Thus, plate tectonic processes should be considered a potential climate forcing mechanism on all timescales.

2 (a) The variation during recent cycles has been about 0.1%. Changes corresponding to solar changes with periods of 9-13, 18-25, and >100 years have been measured in sea-surface temperatures.

2(b) The changes in solar energy are not big enough, however, to cause the large global temperature changes we've seen in the last 100 years. Indeed, the only way that climate models can match the recent observed warming of the atmosphere is with the addition of greenhouse gases.

2(c) The rate at which solar energy reaches the Earth’s surface in any location depends on the season, time of day, cloudiness and the concentration of small aerosol particles in the atmosphere.

During the last two decades, aerosol emissions increased in some countries and decreased in others. Research shows that the impact of these particles on global average surface temperature over this time period is small.

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