7.3 Indicators and Effects of Climate Change

How can an increase in the global climate temp change win and precipitation patterns?

Changes in heat distribution over the Earth's surface have led to changes in wind patterns. The speed, frequency, and direction of winds over Earth's surface have fluctuated unpredictably over several years. Researchers believe that unusual wind patterns have helped increase the melting of ice in the Arctic. High temp. Increases the rate of evaporation. When warm, moist air rises and cools in the upper atmosphere, it produces rain or snow. Since 1948, average annual temps across Obtario increase approx 1.4 degrees Celsius. Average annual precipitation also increase in this period.

In which ways does climate effect health? Diseases (land and water), air quality

Climate is closely connected with health, not only with risk of disease and infections but also the risk of injury or death due to extreme weather like heat waves, floods, tornadoes, lightning strikes, and snow storms. Some of most serious diseases that affect humans carried by insects, rodents, birds and other animals. Outbreaks of infections like hantavirus, Lyme disease, malaria and the plague seem to occur during periods of higher temps. Risk of waterborne diseases also rises as climate changes affects rainfall and temp. Waterborne diseases are caused by microscopic organisms that live in water supplies. Increasing temps affects the amount of dust in the air, the growth of mould, and the release of pollen by many plants. All of these substances may act as allergens and trigger asthma attacks in some people. Climate change may also contribute to an increase in the number of smog days in a specific area like Ontario. As the air quality worsens people who have allergies or other respiratory difficulties might have to reduce their outdoor activities. Additionally people who have respiratory problems might require medical attention which increases health care costs

What is global warming? Why is the actual amount and rate of global warming uncertain?

GLOBAL WARMING: an average increase in the global average temp Largest single indicator of climate change The actual amount and rate of warming us uncertain due to natural fluctiations from year-year and sources of buas resulting frim where measurements have been taken, but indirect indicators of warming like melting of glapciers support evidence from direct measurements of temp.

What are the impacts of melting ice?

Impacts of melting ice: -raising sea levels - effected habitats of animals like seals and polar bears Ex. Polar bears depend on large areas of sea ice over which they hunt their prey. As warmer temps melt sea ice and transform the Arctic biome, polar bears in some parts of their range may be starving or ranging farther to find food. Inuits also effected because traditional lifestyle of unit propels involves travelling and hunting on sea ice. However, thinning and disappearing of sea ice has made travelling treacherous and hunting for food or income more unpredictable.

How will rising sea levels effect the world? Additionally, How does this effect the oceans acidity?

Rising sea level: CAUSE: about half of this increase is due to the observed melting of glaciers and ice caps and the other half is the result of thermal expansion of sea water due to increased temp. EFFECTS: As sea levels rise, more land will be covered by water, many of the world's largest cities are located in coastal regions, so large populations of people will be displaced by rising seas. Rising ocean acidity: CAUSE: Scientists estimate that the oceans have absorbed about half of the CO2 produced from fossil fuel emissions over the past 200 years. Some of he dissolved gas forms carbonic acid which lowers the pH of the water. Lower pH means that the water is more acidic EFFECTS: Rising acidity threatens to the ability of corals and other organisms to build shells and hard skeletons and he ability of fish and plankton to reproduce, the success of commercial fishers who supple food to humans may also be affected, and low-lying islands and coastal areas would be more vulnerable to storms

Describe the changes in polar and glacial ice in recent years. Specifically look at the west Antarctic ice sheet. What does this effect/do?

The general trend regarding polar and glacial ice sheets is that they've been shrinking. Ex. The overall losses of the West Antarctic ice sheet has been approx. 65km3 per year. The amount of melting releases enough water to raise sea levels by approx 0.16 mm per year.