Mastering Geology Chapter. 20: Global Climate Change

In the climate system diagram, modeling results show that observed changes in temperature closely align with __________.

a combination of both natural and human effects

Animation: Ozone Depletion Part D What is ozone?

a molecule made up of 3 oxygen atoms

The Moon has __________ because all energy is reradiated back to space.

a relatively low average surface temperature

What color smoke coming from a coal-fired power plant would indicate wasted fuel?

black

Cognito Farm avoids washing chicken carcasses with __________, which is done at many packing plants in the United States.

bleach

GeoTutor: Global Environmental Change Part D - Not just changes in climate or weather Often, when people hear the term global environmental change, their minds jump to the issue of climate change. This issue has become highly politicized and therefore receives a tremendous amount of attention compared to other environmental changes currently happening. It's difficult, and perhaps futile, to rank environmental changes in terms of the hazards they pose; all of them deserve attention and action. Further, because of the interrelatedness of Earth's systems, the changes currently occurring cannot be isolated from one another. Figure D1, below, depicts land degradation and illustrates the interconnectivity that exists among global environmental changes. When looking at Earth's most at-risk land, what general pattern emerges?

Areas north and south of the Sahara Desert are very vulnerable to land degradation.

Part H What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of shortwave radiation reflected at Earth's surface increased significantly?

Atmospheric temperature would decrease.

The two main locations where ice cores are drilled are the Antarctic and __________ Ice Sheets.

Greenland

Fans attending University of Florida athletic events are responsible for providing carbon offsets for _____.

fossil fuels used to get fans to and from the stadium

Where is electricity made at a coal-fired power plant?

generator

Part G What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of incoming shortwave radiation from the Sun was the same as the longwave radiation lost to space?

Atmospheric temperature would remain the same.

On average, how far do agricultural products travel from farm to plate in the United States?

1400 miles

It has been estimated that confined animal feeding operations contribute to about _____ of world carbon dioxide emissions.

15%

What is the primary cause of the nearly 20 percent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since the 1960s?

Burning of fossil fuels

How might global warming affect cities that rely on glacial runoff for their water supply?

Cities may face long-term water shortages as the amount of water generated by glacial melt will decline as glaciers shrink.

In the solar panel system presented in the video, which of the following was necessary to generate usable electrical current for a home?

DC power had to be converted to AC.

How will increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels affect oceans?

The oceans will become more acidic.

During peak usage, what happens to the cost of electricity?

It almost always increases.

How do the oceans contribute to maintaining a climate that is habitable for humans?

Oceans absorb large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

When does Cognito Farm use antibiotics on its cattle?

Only when they are sick.

Part D How is energy transferred from Earth's surface to Earth's atmosphere?

- through the latent heat in water vapor - through the greenhouse effect - through conduction - through convection

What has analysis of ice cores revealed about atmospheric greenhouse gas levels during the historic period?

A sudden rise in greenhouse gas levels coincides with the start of the Industrial Revolution (mid-1700's)

What two trends are commonly seen in modern monthly CO2 concentration charts?

1) an up-and-down seasonal trend, and 2) overall increasing CO2 levels through time

From 400,000 to 50,000 years ago, the carbon dioxide levels fluctuated between ___________.

180 and 280 ppm

The Vostok ice core curve shows CO2 concentrations over the last __________.

400,000 years

Part C How much of the Sun's incoming radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface?

45%

Today, it takes about ______ Calories of energy to produce about 1 Calorie of food.

55

The greenhouse effect raises Earth's surface temperature (from what it would be otherwise) because the infrared light radiated by Earth's surface __________.

Is temporarily absorbed by greenhouse gases and then reemitted in random directions.

What evidence is there that the O'Higgins Glacier is being affected by global warming?

It has retreated nine miles in the past 100 years because of melting.

What happens to the energy that the ground absorbs in the form of visible sunlight?

It is returned upward in the form of infrared light.

On a cloudless day, what happens to most of the visible light headed toward Earth?

It reaches Earth's surface, where some is reflected and some is absorbed.

What is used at Cognito Farm to control fly larvae in the pasture?

chickens

The Neutral Gator program used methods that _____.

decreased production of carbon dioxide and reduced the amount of carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere

The dense atmosphere of Venus is ________, causing most incoming solar radiation to be _________.

light in color; reflected

The temperature range of the past 7,000 years was __________ the temperature range of the preceding 30,000 years.

more stable than

Animation: Ozone Depletion Part B What is another name for the ozone layer?

ozonosphere

CO2 levels drop during spring and summer months because __________.

photosynthetic organisms are absorbing CO2

The University of Florida's athletic program became carbon neutral because it _____.

promoted programs that reduced fossil fuel use and sequestered carbon

Give It Some Thought: Global Warming Part A - The greenhouse effect Your roommate, who has not studied climate, says, "I thought the greenhouse effect was a bad thing. Isn't it what's causing global warming?" Which of the following statements might you use to help your roommate understand the true nature of the greenhouse effect? Select the two that apply.

- Some gases, like carbon dioxide and water vapor, "trap" the heat radiated by Earth, causing warming. - When there are more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect is stronger.

Give It Some Thought: Global Warming Part C - Making a case for global warming In a conversation with a friend, he expresses skepticism about global warning. When you inquire about his reasons, he responds by saying that the weather in that area has been the coolest he can remember. Using the information you have learned, what information could you offer to encourage your friend to reevaluate his position? Select all that apply.

- Weather and climate are different. Cooler weather does not mean the global climate is also cooler. - "Global warming" means that the average global temperature is increasing. It doesn't mean that temperatures everywhere are hotter.

Animation: Ozone Depletion Part F What would happen to the oxygen atoms in ozone if the ozone layer were completely destroyed by ultraviolet radiation?

The oxygen atoms would be bound together in pairs.

How does planting trees offset carbon generated by the University of Florida athletic program?

The planted trees will sequester carbon dioxide from the air as they grow.

Which of the following would indicate that a home is using solar power to generate electricity and is NOT using batteries?

There are solar panels on the roof and power lines going to the home.

Animation: Ozone Depletion Part A How much of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches Earth's surface?

little of the ultraviolet radiation

GeoTutor: Global Environmental Change Part C - Comparing the causes of global environmental change Environmental changes have been happening since Earth's beginning. Many naturally-occurring events, such as volcano eruptions and hurricanes, led to changes in various aspects of Earth's environment. However, human population growth and dramatic lifestyle changes resulting from industrialization are leading to substantial impacts on the natural environment. Distinguishing the causes of environmental change is important—behavior can be modified with hopes of leading to less environmental damage. Determine whether the following examples are either nature- or human-induced causes of global environmental change. Drag the appropriate items into their respective bins.

naturally-induced global change: - The Hawaiian Islands sit on the Pacific Plate, which is gradually moving in a northeast direction. The Islands formed as the plate moved over a 'hot-spot' on Earth, resulting in volcanic activity that created new land that became Hawaii. Therefore, each island further north in the chain is progressively older, and the newest and largest island is the Big Island, which currently is an active volcano. - An earthquake strikes in the western Pacific Ocean, which triggers a strong tsunami that hits the coast of Japan a few hours after the earthquake. The tsunami uproots trees, destroys villages, and floods buildings and ecosystems. - In 1883, the Krakatau volcano in Indonesia erupted and emitted so much ash that sunlight could not reach Earth's surface, resulting in much colder winters for the four years following the eruption. human-induced global change: - In Brazil, large swaths of the Amazon rainforest have been cut down in order to plant soybean farms. This has resulted in decreased biodiversity in the region due to loss of forest habitat, as well as increased global carbon emissions since carbon is released from the soil when forests are removed. - Globally, cities are expanding into surrounding ecosystems that were vegetated prior to becoming urban. This has created "urban heat islands," where cities are warmer than surrounding vegetated areas due to the fact that impervious surfaces absorb and retain more heat than the natural surfaces they replace. -Due to dams along the Colorado River, the river delta in Mexico on the Sea of Cortez is now dry. When water stopped flowing into the delta, habitats dried up and wildlife, such as coyotes and rattlesnakes, disappeared.

If a home uses a large supply of solar panels to generate electricity, but has no battery system, surplus electricity that is produced is usually __________.

released into the power grid for others to use, generating a credit to the homeowner

The Sun emits __________ radiation, but it is radiated back off of planetary bodies as __________ radiation.

shortwave; longwave

All fossil fuels, including coal, are considered an indirect form of ____________ energy.

solar

Which of the following is a challenge to using solar-generated electricity in places not connected to a power grid?

the lack of efficient and inexpensive battery technology

Animation: Ozone Depletion Part C How is ozone formed in the stratosphere?

Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone.

Animation: Ozone Depletion Part E How does ultraviolet radiation cause ozone depletion?

Ultraviolet radiation breaks down CFCs, molecules containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks one oxygen atom away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule.

Which of the following best describes the energy conversion sequence in the solar panel system described in the video?

Photons carrying energy from the sun chemically react with silicon crystals to generate a flow of electrons.

What is causing a decline in Antarctica's Chinstrap penguins?

Populations of the penguin's major food source are declining because of melting sea ice.

Part I What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of shortwave radiation reflected by clouds decreased significantly?

The atmospheric temperature would increase.

If the greenhouse effect ceased to exist on Earth, which of the following would result?

The average surface temperature would drop to below the freezing temperature of water.

On a day with complete cloud cover, what happens to the visible light headed toward Earth?

The clouds reflect much of it back to space, though some still reaches the surface.

What impact will increased carbon dioxide absorption by the oceans have on coral reefs?

Reefs will degrade over time, ultimately resulting in large-scale mortality.

Part A Only some shortwave radiation from the Sun reaches Earth's surface. What is the leading cause of this radiation loss?

Reflection off clouds.

What impact would rising sea levels have on human migration?

Rising sea levels would cause enormous migration as people move inland away from affected areas.

Give It Some Thought: Earth's Climate System and the Biosphere Part C - The relationship between the biosphere and the climate system Transfer of heat, gases, and sunlight have important roles in the relationship between biota and climate. Albedo is the portion of sunlight that is reflected from Earth's surface back into space. - Dark surfaces, such as asphalt, have low albedo indicating that they absorb much of the incoming sunlight. - Light surfaces, such as snow, have high albedo, which explains why snow is white as it reflects all light. Which of the following are ways in which the climate system is affected by the biosphere? Select the two that apply.

- Trees take up carbon dioxide from the environment and release oxygen. - Methane, a greenhouse gas, is released from the digestive system of cattle.

Part B How much of the Sun's incoming radiation is scattered or reflected back to space before any heating effect is felt on Earth?

31%

Many pollutants from coal-fired power plants are properly managed today. Which of the following is currently considered to be the biggest threat to the environment?

carbon dioxide

GeoTutor: Global Environmental Change Part A - Global environmental change defined Environmental change is not limited to climate change or global warming: - It includes loss of ozone, decreases in biodiversity, changes in freshwater supplies, urbanization (and corresponding changes in land cover), and changes in food production systems (as a result of land degradation and urbanization). Some of these changes result from natural processes, but many of the changes currently observed are attributed to human activity: - Tremendous human population growth since the mid-20th century, along with increasing urbanization and industrialization, and the energy-dependence inherent in those two processes, has led to dramatic changes on Earth's surface and in its atmosphere. - As land is deforested and paved over, as the burning of fossil fuels contributes excess greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and as humans continue to manipulate physical systems through genetic modification, Earth's systems increasingly become altered. Select the statements that correctly describe global environmental change. Select all that apply.

- Human activities are likely largely responsible for many of the changes that Earth is currently experiencing at the planetary scale. - Global environmental change refers to changes in any of Earth's systems, not just climate.

Give It Some Thought: Earth's Climate System and the Biosphere Part A - The Köppen classification Although climate can be discussed on a global scale, it is often preferable to discuss it at a smaller, regional scale. The Köppen classification is one way of discussing different climates. It breaks down climate into the following five general categories: - Humid tropical—Humid tropical climates are consistently warm or hot. The temperatures are above 18°C (64°F) all year. - Dry—Dry climates occur when water evaporation is greater than precipitation. - Humid middle-latitude (mild winter)—These regions have mild winters, with temperatures only dipping slightly below freezing, or no lower than -3°C (27°F). They also have warm summers, with temperatures above 10°C (50°F). - Humid middle-latitude (severe winter)—These regions also have warm summers characterized by temperatures above 10°C (50°F); however, the winters are more severe, with temperatures falling below -3°C (27°F). - Polar—Polar climates are cold all year. Even in the warmest months, the temperatures are below 10°C (50°F). Match the names of the five principal climate groups in the Köppen classification to their descriptions. Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentences on the right. Note that some terms will not be used.

1. In a _____ climate, there is no winter, and the average temperature each month is above 18°C (64°F). HUMID TROPICAL 2. The _____ climate is characterized by a constant deficiency of water because more moisture is lost to evaporation than is gained through precipitation. DRY 3. A coldest month with a temperature below 18°C (64°F) but above -3°C (27°F) is characteristic of a _____ climate. HUMID MIDDLE-LATITUDE (MILD WINTER) 4. To be considered a _______ climate, the coldest month would have an average temperature below -3°C (27°F) and above 10°C (50°F) in the warmest month. HUMID MIDDLE-LATITUDE (SEVERE WINTER) 5. In ______ climates, the warmest month has a mean temperature at or below 10°C (50°F). POLAR

How did the University of Florida help address the problem of global warming?

The athletic program reduced local energy consumption and planted trees.

Part E What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of incoming shortwave radiation from the Sun decreased and was less than the longwave radiation lost to space?

The atmospheric temperature would decrease.

Part F What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of outgoing longwave radiation decreased so that it was less than incoming shortwave radiation from the Sun?

The atmospheric temperature would increase.

Which of the following is true when comparing the Amundsen-Scott South Pole station and Barrow, Alaska CO2 concentration curves?

They show opposite seasonal curves.

Why are scientists doing research in an underwater lab in the Great Barrier Reef?

To replicate future carbon dioxide levels and measure the changes in coral reef productivity, mortality and health

In addition to glacial ice, what other natural climate recorder is discussed in the SmartFigure?

Tree rings

The most recent spike of CO2 (over 280 ppm) in the atmosphere correlates to __________.

the onset of the Industrial Revolution

Give It Some Thought: Global Warming Part B - Factors that influence global climate change Changes in Earth's climate often cause a response from other systems, which in turn affect Earth's climate. - Climate-feedback mechanisms are the responses to climate changes. These changes can be positive or negative. - There are two kinds of feedback mechanisms, positive-feedback mechanisms and negative-feedback mechanisms. -When positive feedback occurs, the response amplifies whatever the initial force was. For example, if the climate cooled, more ice would form. Because ice has a very high albedo, it would reflect more sunlight, causing more cooling. -Negative feedback is the opposite: It responds to the change by offsetting it. For example, if the climate warmed, more water would evaporate and form more clouds. Because clouds have a high albedo, they would reflect more sunlight, causing cooling. There are many feedback mechanisms and understanding them helps us understand how Earth may respond to climate variations. Review the example of a positive-feedback mechanism in the following figure. Complete the following sentences, to explore the factors that influence global climate change. Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentences on the right.

1. Trace gases 2. Climate 3. Positive 4. Aerosols 5. Negative

Which of the following is true about Venus?

The high abundance of greenhouse gases absorb most outgoing longwave radiation.

GeoTutor: Global Environmental Change Part B - Global environmental change, two-way impacts While humans certainly play a significant role in many of the environmental changes currently occurring, those changes, in turn, have dramatic effects on human health, economic patterns and processes, settlement patterns, and even political patterns as certain resources, such as freshwater, become increasingly scarce. Figure B1, below, illustrates the interconnectedness between environmental changes currently occurring and with human health. Refer to the diagram above and complete the following sentences. Match the key terms to the appropriate sentence.

The incidence of skin cancer has increased dramatically in parts of Australia where people are experiencing greater UV exposure as a result of _____. - stratospheric ozone depletion As the overall average temperature of Earth rises, changes in weather patterns can challenge human occupations (e.g., farming) and human health (e.g., insect-borne diseases). The term _____ describes this overall increase in temperature, as well as the effects of this increase. - climate change In the Sahel region, south of the Sahara Desert in Africa, many nomads are losing their livelihoods and agricultural regions. The land has become essentially barren as a result of _____. - desertification/land degradation The cost and supply of produce from the drier western United States has fluctuated because of decline in water quantity resulting from _____. - freshwater decline Because of rising ocean temperature, the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is experiencing coral bleaching, which kills resources such as plants and fish populations. This ultimately leads to tremendous ______. - biodiversity loss

Give It Some Thought: Earth's Climate System and the Biosphere Part B - Interactions and changes in the climate system The following labels describe six interactions that occur within Earth's climate system. The accompanying figure shows and lists in the boxes different components interacting within Earth's climate system. Match each label with its corresponding change or interaction. Drag the appropriate labels to their respective targets.

Top Row/of the diagram (left to right): - Glaciers melt as temperatures increase - Rising warm air causes water vapor to condense - A volcanic eruption releases gas into the atmosphere - Seasonal variations change the angle of the sunlight reaching Earth's surface Bottom Row/of the diagram (left to right): - Slash and burn techniques are used to create a new agricultural field - Warm, tropical oceans add warmth and moisture to the overlying atmosphere