final exam chapters 19 &12

unidirectional changes

evolution of the solid earth and oceans and atmosphere and life.

cyclic changes

rock cycle wilson cycle (supercontinent cycle)

greenhouse gases

CO2 and methane, key roles in controlling earth's climate, heat cannot escape into space from atmosphere.

warm the earth's climate and the lower atmosphere

greenhouse effect is will

paleoclimate

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oxygen isotope ratios

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(1)measure past climate change, (2) use models to predict how changes in atmospheric conditions, ocean currents, earth's orbit, and human activity will lead to changes in climate

what are the two ways to study climate change?

paleoclimate

process where climatologists look at sedimentary record, paleontological evidence, and growth rings

oxygen isotope ratios

Ratio of 18 oxygen to 16 oxygen in glacial ice gives indication of temperature at which ice was formed. (larger ratio = warmer temperature)

oxygen isotope ratios

can take successive measurements to figure out temperature change through time

greenhouse

times in Earth's past when it was much warmer than today

ice house

times in earth's past when it was much colder than today

ice age

cold enough for ice sheets to advance and cover large areas of the continents

position of continents, volcanic activity, tectonic uplift, formation of fossil fuels, life evolution

what causes long term climate change to happen? (5 answers)

position of continents

influences ocean currents, if land is getting more/less sunlight (latitude), and size of continental interiors

volcanic activity

increased activity may put more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere

tectonic uplift

weathering rates change (use CO2) and change atmospheric circulation

formation of fossil fuels

removes CO2 from atmosphere, put into energy reserves instead

life evolution

appearance or extinction of certain types of life can also change CO2 levels

short term climate change

over the last 15000 years, there have been ups and downs in temperature but a general increase in temperature overall.

fluctuations in solar radiation and cosmic rays, changes in earth's orbit and tilt, changes in volcanic emissions, changes in ocean currents, changes in surface albedo (reflectivity)

possible causes of short-term climate change are?

fluctuations in solar radiation and cosmic rays

changes the amount of solar energy received by earth

changes in earth's orbit and tilt

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changes in volcanic emissions

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