TASK 1: CHANGES IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY BALANCE

1. Draw labelled diagrams to explain the following causes of change in the global energy balance:

   • Variations in solar radiation:

     • Milankovitch Cycles

     • Global Dimming from Volcanic Eruptions

   • Albedo changes

   • Methane gas release

SOLAR RADIATION VARIATIONS

Milankovitch Cycles

Global Dimming from Volcanic Eruptions

Terrestrial Albedo Change & Positive Feedback Loops

TASK 2: FEEDBACK LOOPS

Watch the videos below and make notes on the different examples of 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)

TASK 3: EXAM PRACTICE

Write responses to the practice exam questions below.

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)