Natural Processes that Change Climate

Volcanic Eruption Ocean Circulation Solar Activity Earth Motions CO2 fluctuations

Ocean acidification

Natural Processes that Change Climate

Volcanic Eruptions The presence of volcanic

ash, dust, and aerosols in the air increase the amount of solar radiation that is reflected back into space. This causes Earth’s

lower atmosphere to cool.

Eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland video.

What are the possible affects on weather in the area?

Natural Processes that Change Climate

Ocean Circulations Changes in ocean circulation also can result in short-

term climate fluctuation EX: El Niño

Natural Processes that Change Climate

Solar Activity The formation of sunspots appears to

correspond with warm periods in Europe and North America

Sunspot link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Solar_Cycle_Prediction.gif

Natural Processes that Change Climate

Earth MotionsGeographic changes in Earth’s land and

water bodies cause changes in climateChanges in the shape of Earth’s orbit

and the tilt of Earth’s axis affect global climates.

Natural Processes that Change Climate

CO2 FluctuationsChanges in plant

growth ratesCO2 levels fall

during the growing season and rise in the winter

Natural Processes that Change Climate

Ocean AcidificationDecrease in the ocean’s pH levels in the

ocean. CO2 is absorbed by the ocean and forms carbonic acid.

Coral Reefs: High levels of CO2 negatively affects corals making their shells.

50% of coral reefs have been destroyedOcean Acidification

Human Impact on Climate Changes

The Greenhouse Effect Is a natural warming of both Earth’s

lower atmosphere and Earth’s Surface. Major Gases: Water vapor and Carbon

dioxide Makes life as we know it possible on

Earth

Check for Understanding?

1.  Which natural process causes Earth's lower atmosphere to cool?

2.  What corresponds with warm periods in Europe and North America?

3.  What decreases in the ocean to cause ocean acidification?

Human Impact on Climate Changes

The Greenhouse Effect Cont. Humans have added more greenhouse gases to the

atmosphere in the past 200 years. Greenhouse Effect clip NASA's link

Human Impact on Climate Changes

Global WarmingAs a result of increases in

CO2 as well as other greenhouse gases, global temperatures have increased.

Affects multiple natural events like the weather and melting the polar ice caps.

Human Impact on Climate Changes

Global Warming Global Warming clip NASA Global Warming Facts

Check For Understanding

1. Compare and contrast the greenhouse effect and global warming.

2. What is the relationship between burning fossil fuels and climate change? Explain.

Agree or Disagree?

5. ____ There are no processes that can change climate.

6. ____The Greenhouse effect is the natural warming of Earth’s lower atmosphere and surface.

7. ____ Global warming is the result of increased greenhouse gases, like CO2, being released by humans.

El Nino verses La Nina

El Niño Trade winds weaken Warm ocean water

replaces offshore cold water near South America

Irregular intervals of three to seven years

Wetter than average winters in NC

La Niña Normal conditions between El Nino eventsWhen surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific are colder than averageThe southern US is usually warmer and dryer in climate

Explanation of El NinoAnother look at El Nino

Occurs: three to seven years The warm countercurrents in the Pacific become unusually

strong and replace normally cold offshore waters with warm equatorial waters.

Characterized by unusually warm ocean surface temperatures

El Nino Southern Oscillation: ENSO

Think about it…

Brainstorm what negative effects you think would be likely to accompany the rise in temperature, including natural disasters.

Think about the impacts on weather…Droughts, floods, mudslides, hurricanes,

typhoons…

El Nino Video

Cause and Effect

• El Nino• Cause: Develop when easternly

winds weaken. Warm surface air creates more thunderstorms over the central and eastern pacific

• Effect: Subtropical jet stream is energized, storms lead to frequent mudslides in SO. CAL. And a wet winter in the Southern US

Cause and Effect

• La Nina• Cause: Stronger than normal trade

winds push warm water farther west• Effect: Polar jet stream is amplified,

brings cold air to northwest. Subtropical jet stream moves northward bringing moisture, heavy rains, and mountain snows to the Pacific Northwest.

El Nino and La Nina Visualization