GY Chapter 7, GY 101 Chapter 7, GY 101 (Chapter 7), GY Chapter 7
What are two positive feedbacks associated with warming of Earth's ice and permafrost?
1) High albedo ice is replaced w/ low albedo water that will absorb more heat 2) Warming of permafrost releases methane, which traps longwave radiation
Order the steps of modeling for general circulation models (GCM's) from first at the top to last at the bottom.
1. Data are collected from many sources such as satellites 2. Data are reviewed for quality and obvious errors 3. Simulations are run for atmospheric variables at each point for a set time in the future. 4. Simulation iterations continue at each data point for times farther in the future. 5. Predictions are generated for the future, and results are plotted on a map
Order the steps of modeling for general circulation models (GCM's) from first at the top and last at the bottom.
1. Data are collected from many sources such as satellites. 2. Data are reviewed for quality and obvious errors. 3. Simulations are run for atmospheric variables at each point for a set time in the feature. 4. Simulation iterations continue at each data point for times farther in the future. 5. Predictions are generated for the future, and results are plotted on a map
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has concluded that the temperature of Earth's atmosphere has increased since approximately year ______.
1800
What is an ecotone?
A gradual transition between vegetation and climates types
Match the climate factors used to subdivide climates into their main groups with the climate type.
A-Tropical: Hot temperatures occur year-round; precipitation occurs either all year to half the year B-Arid: Temperatures vary above or below 54 degrees F; precipitation is limited C-Temperate: Temperates vary and winters are short; precipitation occurs either all year or seasonally D-Harsh Mid-latitude: Temperatures vary and winters are severe; precipitation occurs either all year or seasonally E-Polar: Temperatures are very cold; precipitation is mostly frozen
Match each of the 5 categories of climate to its classification in the Koppen climate classification system.
A: Tropical climates B: Arid climates C: Temperate Mid-Latitude D: Harsh Mid-Latitude E: Polar
What surfaces absorb enough insolation to cause an increase in temperature on earth or in the atmosphere
Aerosols Land Clouds Oceans
A climate located near the equator with hot temperatures and abundant precipitation year-round is a(n) ____ climate.
Af - Tropical Rain Forest
Match the climate group to where it is common on Earth's surface.
Arid (B): Along 30 N and 30 S latitudes Temperate (C): Between 30 and 60 N and 30 and 60 S Tropical (A): Along and near the equator Harsh mid-latitude (D): Along 60 N and 60 S latitudes Polar (E): Highest latitudes in both hemispheres
B
Arid Climates Temperatures vary above or below 54F; Precipitation is limited
A climate zone located near the equator that supports grasslands, has warm to hot temperatures, and has precipitation some parts of the year is an:
Aw climate
Which of the following is characterized among the hottest but lesser arid climates and serves as a transition zone from hot deserts to more humid areas?
BSh climates (Hot steppe climates)
Which climate is characterized as being the hottest and most arid, and covers large areas of Africa, Australia, and the American Southwest?
BWh - Hot desert
Which climate is characterized as being both cold and very arid, and includes locations such as southern Mongolia and areas adjacent to cold ocean currents?
BWk - Cold Desert climates
ITCZ
Belt of low pressure around the equator where trade winds meet
Temperate, mid-latitude climates that experience moderate temperatures and precipitation and support large amounts of human activity are designated as Group ____ in the Koppen climate classification system.
C
Which climates are characterized as being very pleasant to live in year-round with wet winters but dry, warm summers and are generally located along the western coasts of continents?
CSo and CSb (Mediterranean)
Which of the following accurately describe the correlation between inferred temperatures and CO2 concentrations over the past 400000 years?
Changes in temperature and CO2 concentrations are directly related; the most recent data seems a little off the historical trend
What climate impacts, besides heating, do urban heat islands create?
Changes to the spatial distribution and quantities of precipitation, changes to wind speeds and directions, reduction of humidity in non-arid environments
What surfaces are efficient reflectors of insolation, causing an decrease in temperature on Earth or in the atmosphere?
Clouds, ice, aerosois
Polar climates have little precipitations because they are so cold. Which type of air masses limit precipitation in polar climates
Cold air masses with low water vapor capacity
Subartic
Cold temperatures over the year, with very short summers and very long winters; capable of supporting trees
Tundra
Cold temperatures with averages each month below 50 F not capable of supporting trees
In this image of a city, what factors are contributing to, or increasing, the urban heat island effect?
Concrete buildings, paved surfaces, storm drains, industrial waste heat
How does elevation affect temperature in Group B Desert and steppe climates?
Desert and steppe climates are colder at higher elevations
S
Dry Summer
W
Dry winter
What mid-latitude climate experiences warm, wet summers with long severe, dry winters and is mostly located in Asia?
Dwb (Continental dry winter/warm summer climates)
How will an increase in sea-surface temperature (SST) due to global warming change storm intensity and duration?
Evaporated water and latent heat in the atmosphere will increase
True or false: global warming results in an increase in temperatures in every region on Earth.
False
True or false: The ITCZ, located near the equator, moves very little and provides consistent precipitation to A-type climates throughout the year
False; the ITCZ does shift and causes Tropical Monsoon and Tropical Savanna climates to have dry months lasting one to six months of the year
Where are Polar climates located?
Far from precipitation sources
Do feedbacks from changes in global climate systems amplify or dampen the response from processes such as climate change?
Feedbacks may amplify or dampen changes
GCM
Focuses on feedbacks between all four of earths spheres and uses large grids and long iterations
Which processes contribute to precipitation in mid-latitude Humid Continental climates throughout the year?
Great Lakes moisture, convective thunderstorms, flow of Gulf of Mexico moisture
What groups in the Koppen climate classification system are mid-latitude climates with moderate temperature swings dominated by oceanic air masses? Most have mild winters and summers, whereas a few have more severe winters.
Groups C and D
What four elements make up the majority of air pollution gases (in compounds)?
Hydrogen Oxygen Carbon Nitrogen
How do Group E Ice Cap and Tundra and Group D Subarctic climates differ?
Ice cap: cold temperatures, with averages each month below freezing; not capable of supporting trees Tundra: cold temperatures, with averages each month being below 50; not capable of supporting trees Subarctic: cold temperatures over the year, with very short summers and very long winters ; capable of supporting trees
Which of the following are proxy evidence used to measure climate change?
Ice core analysis and tree ring records
Temperature in deserts, such as those in the American SouthWest with hot days and cool nights are controlled by what?
Insolation from high sun angles
The area near the equator where trade winds converge to create tropical climates is called the
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
In 1884, Vladmir ____ first published his climate classification system. A version of this same system is the most widely used system in the world today.
Koppen
What surfaces absorb enough insolation to cause an increase in temperature on Earth or in the atmosphere?
Land, oceans, aerosois, clouds
What is the most accurate interpretation of the Earth temperature data collected with satellite and summarized on this graph?
Local, natural events effect global temperature
Aw Climate
Located near equator, that support grassland has warm to hot temperatures, and has precipitation some parts of the year
What factors influence climate classification patterns and how they are distributed?
Location on a continent and proximity to oceanic bodies affect climate, latitudes above, below, or at the equator affects climate
Westerlies (winds)
Mid latitude Marine west coast and humid continental climates receive their precipitation
Temperature climates in the C Group that receive most of their rainfall during hot or warm summers are the Cwa nad Cwb Temperate _____ climates.
Monsoon
How do topographic features such as coastlines and mountains affect air pollution
Mountains trap pollution the wind has blown against them Coastlines cause air pollution to move away from the source due to offshore winds and water land transitions
How do topographic features such as coastlines and mountains affect air pollution?
Mountains trap pollution the wind has blown against them; Coastlines cause air pollution to move away from the source due to offshore winds and water-land transitions
Why are mid-continental regions likely places for arid climates?
Ocean moisture sources are too far away to reach mid-continent arid regions
Compare point and non-point sources of pollution by matching them to their descriptions
Point source: a localized source of pollution Non-point source: multiple sources of pollution
What influence do the mid-latitude westerlies, specifically polar air masses, have on Humid continental climates in eastern Europe?
Polar air masses penetrate deep into southern regions of eastern Europe, extending the range of Humid continental climates
Compare positive and negative feedbacks by the changes they make to climate systems
Positive: changes are amplified, causing more changes in the same direction Negative: changes are dampened, undoing some or all of the changes
What climate regions or trends can be described on this map of temperatures and precipitation?
Precipitation in the country is related to temperature; the northern region is a cold, wet climate whereas the southern region is a hot and dry climate
What happens to the shortwave portion of insolation when it interacts with air pollution by reflecting, scattering, or being absorbed?
Reflected insolation: shortwave energy is sent back to space, cooling the atmosphere Scattered insolation: shortwave energy is sent in many directions, heating the atmosphere and ground. Absorbed insolation: shortwave energy is contained, heating the atmosphere but not the ground and reducing chances of precipitation.
Observing the map of average precipitation pH, what areas are most prone to acid rain?
Regions with high humidity, industrialized areas
What observations can be made about effects of climate change between these image of Arctic sea ice in 1979 and 2015?
Sea ice has melted, exposing the darker surfaces of sea and land
Reflected insolation
Shortwave energy is sent back to space, cooling the atmosphere
Scattered insolation
Shortwave energy is sent in many directions, heating the atmosphere and groundd
Two primary subtypes of group B
Steppe & Desert
How do subtropical highs cause wetter climates on the east coasts of continents and drier climates on the west coasts of continents?
Subtropical highs are asymmetrical, sinking on western coasts and rising on eastern coasts
What three factors are the primary influences on temperate Mediterranean climates?
Subtropical highs, ocean currents, and subtropical latitude
A-type tropical climates have warm and consistent temperatures all year because the ____ remains high in the sky throughout the year, resulting in consistent day lengths and light intensity.
Sun
What three components within the atmosphere can act to form ozone at low altitudes where is can corrode living tissues?
Sunlight, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides
What kind of climates are designated as Group C climates using the Koppen climate classification system?
Temperate mid-latitude climates
What effects does the ITCZ have on precipitation in A-type climates as it shifts north and south of the equator through the year?
The ITCZ stays close to Tropical Rain Forest climates, where it generates rain all year, and causes fluctuating precipitation for Tropical Monsoon and Tropical Savanna climates
What impacts did the Clean Air Act of 1970 have on the way we monitor air pollution and air quality today and what criteria are monitored?
The act has led to improved air quality in the US; the act created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the act monitors a family of six aerosois
Secondary Köppen Classifications
The climate is wet year-round (f) The climate has a dry summer (s) The climate has a dry winter (w) The climate experiences monsoons (m)
Tropical Savanna (Aw)
The climate receives precipitation for half the year
Tropical Monsoon (Am)
The climate receives precipitation seasonally
Tropical Rain Forest (Af)
The climate receives precipitation year round
How are the data used in general circulation models (GCMs) organized spatially?
The data are collected and then divided into a grid, giving each area an average value for all data collected by sensors in that grid square.
What happens to the shortwave radiation heat absorbed by aerosois in the atmosphere when the aerosois act as a condensation nuclei, attract water, and eventually form rain?
The heat is released back to the atmosphere
What conclusions can be made about the Atlantic storms shown on this graph corresponding to the most recent period of significant warming?
The number of tropical storms in the last 20 years appears to be higher than in any other 20-year period shown.
Ecotone
The transition boundary between vegetation and climate types is gradual
Which of the factors below influences Mediterranean climates, making them temperate?
Their location between polar and tropical climates
In a climate change situation in which surface temperatures and upper-level atmospheric temperatures both rise, what total effect is expected?
There is no net effect on the system, and it remains stable
What are some specific ways atmospheric data is used or applied in general circulation models (GCM's)?
Three-dimensional grids with several vertical levels are used to spatially organize the data. Spectral models are used to convert data into sine and cosine waves to measure inputs of energy, matter, and momentum
How are tree proportions in tropical A-type climates indicative of the precipitation patterns in the three tropical subclimates?
Tree size decreases and spacing increases as precipitation changes from all year in Tropical Rain Forests to half of the year in Tropical Savannas
A Climates
Tropical Climate Hot temperatures occur year round; precipitation occurs either all year to half the year
Mediterranean climates are temperate due to their location between what two climates?
Tropical and polar
Am Climate
Tropical monsoon Climates; located between two other climate types near the equator that has hot temperatures and seasonal precipitation year round
What are the differences in A-type tropical climate precipitation patterns?
Tropical rain forest: receives precipitation year-round Tropical monsoon: receives precipitation seasonally Tropical savanna: receives precipitation for half the year
True or false: very small drops of liquids in steam, such as those derived from sulfur dioxide, contribute to air pollution.
True
When large amounts of concrete and glass replace open space vegetation, what is the resulting effect called?
Urban heat island effect
Which processes lead to peak precipitation in mid latitude marine climates in October and December?
Warm oceans Distant subtropical highs
Positive Feedback Cycle
Warming of oceans due to climate change would evaporate more water, releasing more water vapor
What are two positive feedbacks associated with warming of Earth's ice and permafrost?
Warming of permafrost releases methane, which traps longwave radiation; High albedo ice is replaced with low albedo water that will absorb more heat.
How do climates change across Eurasia from west to east?
Western climates are mild, central climates have variable temperatures, and eastern climates receive more precipitation than the other climates.
Urban Heat Island Effect
When large amounts of concrete and glass replace open space vegetation
Ocean Acidification
When oceans absorb an abundant amount of CO2, the gas begins to change the oceans chemistry and lowers the pH.
How does spatial location (near oceanic influences or being mid-continent) and day length affect mid-latitude climates?
Winters are cold and long due to short days; summers are warm due to long days; marine climates have less seasonally than continental climates
Does the biosphere, containing living creatures, have the ability to stabilize the environment during climate change?
Yes, the biosphere has self-regulating processes
When oceans absorb an abundant amount of CO2, the gas begins to change the ocean's chemistry and lowers the pH. This is called ocean ____.
acidification
What are tiny drops of liquids and solid particles in the atmosphere called, regardless of their source?
aerosois
What surfaces are efficient reflectors of insolation, causing an DECREASE in temperature on earth or in the atmosphere?
aerosols Clouds Ice
Rain Shadows
affects arid regions downwind of nonarid mountain ranges
Snow and ice have high ____, or ability to reflect solar energy, which prevents insolation from warming polar and subpolar regions.
albedo
Snow and ice have high ____________, or ability to reflect solar energy, which prevents insolation from warming polar and subpolar regions.
albedo
Insolation is able to heat land surfaces in Group B Desert climates when _____ because very little of the insolation is absorbed in the atmosphere. Under the same conditions, longwave radiation is lost to space at night, cooling the atmosphere and land surfaces.
atmospheric moisture is low
When dynamic equilibrium is achieved in nature, a system such as the food chain or a plant community has come to a point where feedbacks and other processes ______.
balance each other
Global trends in warming or cooling, precipitation patterns, wind directions, and other measures is known as climate ____.
change
Computer models used to analyze atmospheric conditions are called general ____ models.
circulation
Humid Subtropical Climate
classified in Group C of the Koppen climate system and are characterized as being hot and wet all year with short or intermittent cold seasons
The ____ of a place or region is characterized by several factors including the specifics of Koppen classification system, topography, wind directions, and pollution
climate
Polar climates have little precipitation because they are so cold. Which type of air masses limit precipitation in polar climates?
cold air masses with low water-vapor capacity
Ice Cap
cold temperatures with averages each month below freezing not capable of supporting trees
Thermometer records, sea-surface temperatures, and glacier lengths are all forms of ____ measurements used to monitor climate change.
direct
The transition boundary between vegetation and climate types is gradual and is referred to as an:
ecotone
Climates classified in Group B of the Kopean classification system are arid and must have the ability to lose more moisture through potential ____ than they receive in precipitation.
evapotranspiration
Match each of the secondary classification from the Koppen climate classification system to the type of precipitation the climate experiences.
f: wet year-round s: dry summer w: dry winter m: experiences monsoon
Precipitation in Polar and Subarctic climates is limited by the low water-vapor capacity of cold air masses and because precipitation originates _____.
far away over warmer oceans
Ozone
formed at low altitudes in the atmosphere when sunlight and volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxides
Higher global temperatures due to global warming would likely cause an increase in the melting of ____.
glaciers
When observed atmospheric and oceanic temperatures increase compared to a mean global temperature, we call the process ____ warming.
global
The ____ effect occurs when longwave radiation between Earth's surface and the atmosphere and keeps the planet warm.
greenhouse
Evaporation from warmer surface waters is predicted to increase during a global warming period, which would increase ____.
humidity
What changes could be expected if global warming affected the upper level atmospheric circulation patterns
increased precipitation or drought
What changes could be expected if global warming affected the upper-level atmospheric circulation patterns?
increased precipitation or drought
Temperatures in deserts, such as those in the American Southwest with hot days and cool nights, are controlled in part by ____.
insolation from high Sun angles
Feedback System
is the way a system such as the atmosphere responds to changing conditions, such as those cause by climate change. The response either amplies or dampens the changes to the system
Carefully examine the map. Which areas are contributing the most to sulfur dioxide air pollution?
locations of coal power plants
Climate
long term patterns including averages, variability and extremes of a place
The angle of the Sun in Polar and Subarctic climates is _____ during the summer, and the Sun is below the horizon during the winter. This results in little sunlight per unit area during the summer, keeping temperatures low and causing darkness all day during the winter.
low
Mid-latitudes climates in Group C that have an abundant supply of moisture and cool to warm summers with cold but not severe winters are Cfb and Cfc ____ West Coast climates.
marine
Carefully examine the map. Which areas are contributing the most to nitrogen oxide air pollution?
metropolitan areas
Mid-latitude climates across Eurasia, such as those on these climographs, change from west to east where Brussels is considered ____ for its latitude, Kiev experiences more temperature variation than Brussels, and Seoul receives more precipitation due to ____.
mild; monsoons
Moist air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean move across Europe, changing climates from Marine West Coast climates in the west to Humid Continental climates in the east. This is due to less available ____ as air masses move from west to east.
moisture
M
monsoon
Earth's orbital variations and the associated climates are affected almost exclusively by the Sun and the ___, with one cycle completed over approximately 10,000 years.
moon
Some desert and steppe climate areas occur due to their proximity to cold ____ currents, which limit the amount of moisture in the air and promote atmospheric stability.
ocean
Secondary pollutants form when ____. These compounds can be more harmful than the original compounds.
original pollutants react with sunlight, water, or other contaminants.
Ocean ____ are temperature cycles in oceans that vary in length from a few years to decades and show similar patterns to global temperatures.
oscillation
Temperature and precipitation changes accompanying climate change may affect the distribution of ____.
plant and animal communities
E
polar climate Temperatures are very cold; precipitation is mostly frozen
Air ____ is an assortment of gases, liquids, and solids introduced to the atmosphere by human activities and is considered harmful to living creatures and other aspects of ecosystems
pollution
Warming of oceans due to climate change would evaporate more water, releasing more water vapor and beginning a ____ feedback cycle.
positive
Moist air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean move across Europe, changing climates from Marine West Coast climates in the west to Humid Continental climates in the east. This is due to less available ___ as air masses move from west to east.
precipitation
The process of desertification caused by climate change would mean less ____ and possibly warmer temperatures in an affected region.
precipitation
Ice core analysis and tree ring records are ____ measurements used to monitor climate change.
proxy
What factor affects arid regions downwind of nonarid mountain ranges?
rain shadows
Mediterranean Csa and Csb climates owe their pleasant temperatures to ____.
receiving abundant insolation in the subtropics
Oceans are capable of retaining vast amounts of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The feedback, or result of absorbing CO2, ___ the rate of global warming.
reduces
Not only are cities warmer than surrounding vegetated areas, but ____ that link cities that are paved with concrete also are warmer.
roads
Which of the following are direct measurements used to measure climate change?
sea-surface temperatures, thermometer records, glacier length
Absorbed insolation
shortwave energy is contained, heating the atmosphere but not the ground and reducing chances of precipitation
Sinking air, such as during a temperature inversion, causes air pollution to _____.
sink close to the ground and its source
A cool, semiarid climate in the B-Group is the BSk Cold _____ climate that is found in the Great Plains of North America.
steppe
BSh Hot ____ climates are one of the hottest but not the most arid. They surround deserts and represent a transition from more humid regions.
steppe
Under the Koppen classification system, Group B climates differ with regard to the amount of precipitation they receive; ____ climates receive more than ____ climates.
steppe; desert
Climates with very cold temperatures all year that support trees and occur at high latitudes or very high elevations are _____ (Dfc and Dfd) climates.
subartic
Humid ___ climates are classified in Group C of the Koppen climate system and are characterized as being hot and wet all year with short or intermittent cold seasons.
subtropical
Primary influences on temperature mediterranean climates
subtropical latitude, ocean currents, subtropical highs
The quantity of sunspots is an indicator of solar activity and corresponds to Earth's recent ____ record.
temperature
Increases in land and sea _____ due to global warming may affect atmosphere's stability.
temperatures
The deadliest natural disaster in US history was:
the 1900 Galveston hurricane
Changes to precipitation patterns of rainfall or drought and ____ may results from changes to upper-level circulation patterns.
the ease with which cyclones form
BWh Climate
the hottest and most arid, and covers large areas of Africa, Australia, and the American Southwest
Weather is a state of short-term atmospheric conditions lasting for a period of time ranging from an hour to a week, whereas climate is _____.
the long-term conditions of a place that last years or decades
Climate is defined as ______ _____________ ____________ ____________ in a location or an area
the long-term weather patterns
Koppen Classification system
the most widely used climate classification system
Mediterranean climates are temperate due to their location between ____ climates near the equator and ___ climates in higher latitudes.
tropical and colders
True or false: Vast areas of the ocean covered by ice act like continents and force temperatures to remain bitterly cold.
true
True or false: temperate mediterranean climates are a product of many complex systems merging together to create a pleasant climate.
true
Proxy Measurements
used to monitor climate change
What two processes lead to peak precipitation in mid-latitude marine climates in October and December?
warm oceans and distant subtropical highs
Comparing weather and climate, a tropical typhoon is a ____ event, whereas increasing ocean temperatures over decades is _____ change.
weather; climate
Mid-latitude Marine West Coast (Cfb and Cfc) and Humid Continental (Dfa and Dfb) climates receive their precipitation from the mid-latitude _____ (winds).
westerlies
How are climate types distributed with increasing latitude? Imagine the Northern Hemisphere, and order the climate types with those closet to the equator at the bottom and those closet to the North Pole at the top
1. E-types 2. D-types 3. C-types 4. B-types 5. A-types
Point Source
A localized source of pollution
Which Mid latitude climates experience warm to cool summers with cold but not severe winters abundant moisture all year, and are located on the western coasts of continents?
Cfb & Cfc
Mediterranean Climates
Characterized as pleasant and temperate. They are typically found on the western coasts of continents and have wet winters and warm dry summers
____ is defined as the long-term weather pattern of a place including the variability and extremes of weather.
Climate
What are some of the reasons to classify climates using a globally uniform scale?
Communicating regional characteristics Creating useful generalizations Observing broad patterns
Where on a large continent would arid climate regions be found if their formation were due to a lack of oceanic moisture sources
Continental interior
Processes that contribute to precipitation in mid latitude Humid Continental Climates
Convective thunderstorms, Great lakes moisture, flow of gulf of mexico moisture
Cold Steppe Climate
Cool, semiarid climate in the B- Group Found in great plains and north america
Bwk Climate
Cooler but very arid climate in the B- type. Desert climate that is found in places such as southern Mongolia and near cold ocean currents
What are some of the reasons to classify climates using a globally uniform scale?
Creating useful generalizations Communicating regional characteristics Observing broad patterns
Why do we classify climates?
Critical for communicating regional environmental characteristics, observing broad global patterns, and analyzing large amounts of meteorological data collected over years or decades.
Steps of Modeling GCM's
Data are collected from many sources such as satellites Data is reviewed for quality and obvious errors Simulations are run for atmospheric variables at each point for a set time in the future Simulation iterations continue at each data point for times father in the future Predictions are generated for the future and results are plotted.
How does elevation affect temperature in Group B desert and steppe climates?
Desert and Steppe climates are colder at higher elevations
What are the two primary subtypes of Group B climates using the Koppen classification system?
Desert and steppe
What climates experience temperatures below freezing throughout the year or during most of the year and are located at high latitudes?
EF and ET
How will an increase in sea surface temperature due to global warming change storm intensity and duration?
Evaporated water and latent heat in the atmosphere will increase
WFM
Focuses on atmospheric processes and uses small grids and short iterations
Climate Change
Global trends in warming or cooling, precipitation patterns, wind directions and other measures
D
Harsh mid latitude climates Temperatures vary and winters are severe; precipitation occurs either all year or seasonally
Two positive feedbacks associated with warming of earths ice and permafrost?
High albedo ice is replaced with low albedo water that will absorb more heat. Warming of permafrost releases methane, which traps long wave radiation.
How does high albedo affect polar climate temperatures?
High albedo reflects the majority of insolation, sending it back to space without raising the temperature
How do clouds and atmospheric moisture affect temperatures in desert climates?
Low humidity allows insolation to travel through the atmosphere to the land surface without being absorbed, causing an increase in temperatures
Non point source
Multiple sources of pollution
How do oceans help the planet stay cool and reduce global warming effects?
Oceans absorb CO2
Why does an A type climates experience warm consistency temperatures?
Of how the sun interacts with earths spinning axis
Secondary Pollutants
Pollutants in the atmosphere can eat with sunlight, water, or additional containments
Humid continental climates
Primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere and have year round precipitation, warm to hot summers, and long cold to severe winters
Weather
Short term atmospheric conditions including temperature and precipitation
C
Temperature Mid- latitude Temperatures vary and winters are short; precipitation occurs either all year or seasonally
Temperature Monsoon Climates
Temperature climates in the C group that receive most of their rainfall during hot or warm summers
Group C
Temperature, mid latitude climates that experience moderate temperatures and precipitation support large amounts of human activity are designated in the Koppen climate Classification system
What effects does the ITCZ have on precipitation in A type climates as it shifts north and south of the equator?
The ITCZ stays close to tropical rain forest climates, where it generates rain all year, and causes fluctuating precipitation for tropical monsoon and tropical savanna climates
What influences mediterranean climates, making them temperature?
Their location between polar and tropical climates
Specific ways atmospheric data is used or applied in general circulation models GCM
Three dimensional grids with several vertical levels are used to spatially organize the data Spectural models are used to convert data into sine and cosine waves to measure inputs of energy, matter and momentum
Mediterranean climates are located in the subtropics and receive abundant insolation that results in what kind of temperature?
Warm temperatures
F
Wet year round
What determines the climate of a region
Wind directions Topography Pollution
Air Pollution
an assortment of gases, liquid, and solids introduced to the atmosphere by human activities and is considered harmful to living creatures and other aspects of ecosystems
It is predicted that atmospheric moisture will increase in the atmosphere if the planet _____.
becomes warmer
General Circulation Models
computer models used to analyze atmospheric conditions
Mid-latitude climates in Group D that are primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere and have year-round precipitation, warm to hot summers, and long cold to severe winters are Dfa and Dfb Humid _____ climates.
continental
Global warming
observed global increases in atmospheric and oceanic temperatures compared to a mean global temperature
Greenhouse effect
occurs when long wave radiation is retained between earths surface and the atmosphere and keeps the planet warm
BSh Hot Steppe Climate
one of the hottest but not the most arid. They surround deserts and represent a transition from more humid regions
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
the area near the equator where trade winds converge to create tropical climates
Direct Measurements
thermometer records, sea surface temperatures, and glacier lengths, are this used to monitor climate change
Aerosols
tiny drops of liquids and solid particles in the atmosphere
Which four of the gases below are known to significantly contribute to insolation absorbed in the atmosphere or are recognized as greenhouse gases?
water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide
