The atmospheric system, including the natural greenhouse effect and energy balance (incoming shortwave radiation and outgoing longwave radiation)
The atmospheric system, including the natural greenhouse effect and energy balance (incoming shortwave radiation and outgoing longwave radiation)
insolation = incoming solar radiation
The atmosphere is an open energy system receiving energy from both the sun and the earth.
Incoming radiation from the sun is short wave, outgoing radiation is long wave.
The sun's energy drives all weather systems and climates. Most is absorbed in tropical latitudes and redistributed to polar latitudes.
TASK:
Watch video and make notes
Read pp 426-433 and add to your notes
Natural Greenhouse Effect
Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared radiation. About 26% of the incoming solar energy is reflected back to space by the atmosphere and clouds, and 19% is absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds. Most of the remaining energy is absorbed at the surface of Earth. Because the Earth's surface is colder than the Sun, it radiates at wavelengths that are much longer than the wavelengths that were absorbed. Most of this thermal radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and warms it. (Source)
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that enables life to exist on earth.
However, human activity is increasing the natural process, warming the climate and contributing to global warming and climate change.
This is the enhanced greenhouse effect.
TASK: Access the resources above. Draw a labelled diagram explaining the natural greenhouse effect. Write a paragraph explaining how human activity has created the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Explain the energy flows involved in the greenhouse effect. [5 marks]
Describe changes in the global energy balance and explain the role of feedback loops resulting from: solar radiation variations, global dimming, albedo changes and methane gas release
Describe changes in the global energy balance and explain the role of feedback loops resulting from: solar radiation variations, global dimming, albedo changes and methane gas release
VARIATIONS IN SOLAR RADIATION
Milankovitch Cycles
Global Dimming from Volcanic Eruptions
Methane Gas Release
Terrestrial Albedo Change & Positive Feedback Loops
TASK 1: CHANGES IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY BALANCE
Draw a large labelled diagram to explain one of the following causes of change in the global energy balance:
Variations in solar radiation:
Milankovitch Cycles
Global Dimming from Volcanic Eruptions
Positive feedback loops
Negative feedback loops
Present to the class and complete the writing frame below
TASK 2: FEEDBACK LOOPS
Fossil fuel emissions from human activity are driving up Earth’s temperature—yet something else is at work. The warming has set in motion nature’s own feedback loops which are raising temperatures even higher. The urgent question is: Are we approaching a point of no return, leading to an uninhabitable Earth, or do we have the vision and will to slow, halt, and reverse them? (Source)
The graph shows global temperature changes since 1850.
State one natural external forcing which could have influenced the changes in temperature shown on the graph [1 mark].
Using a diagram, explain the relationship between atmospheric greenhouse gases and the temperature of the Earth’s surface [5 marks].
Explain two factors, other than greenhouse gas release, that cause changes to the global atmospheric energy balance (3 + 3 marks)
The enhanced greenhouse effect and international variations in greenhouse gas sources and emissions, in relation to economic development, globalisation and trade.
The enhanced greenhouse effect and international variations in greenhouse gas sources and emissions, in relation to economic development, globalisation and trade.
In previous lessons we examined natural factors, external to the atmosphere, which may contribute to global heating or cooling. Could any of these be responsible for global warming? Click below.
ATMOSPHERIC CO2
INTERNATIONAL VARIATIONS IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
On a blank world map, add information explaining global variations in CO2 emissions.
Add labels to explain the information from the video.
Compare and contrast CO2 emissions by country and per capita
INTERNATIONAL VARIATIONS IN CO2 EMISSIONS OVER TIME
Examine the graph below. With reference to data from the graph, describe the evolution of CO2 emissions between 1900 - 2017 in Europe (EU-28), Americas, Africa, China and Asia-Pacific.
GHG EMISSIONS RESULTING FROM TRADE
Explain what is meant by the term “embedded carbon”.
Describe the global distribution of countries with high embedded emissions
Describe the global distribution of countries with low embedded emissions
GHG EMISSIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The graph shows CO2 emissions by income group and by region.
Describe the % output of CO2 emissions by income group
Compare and contrast CO2 emissions by region