Climate Science

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Climate

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the average weather conditions in a specific area over a long period of time, 30 years or more

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Weather

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the short term changes in the atmosphere in a given location.

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How do we investigate climate trends?

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To study climate trends, scientists collect and analyse data over long periods by examining records of temperature, precipitation, wind and humidity enabling us to find patterns such as warming temperatures or shifts in rainfall.

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Give an example of data showing a climate trend

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• Global climate data shows an increase in average temperatures over the last century, indicating an increase in global warming

• Evidence can be seen through rising sea levels and shrinking polar ice caps

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The Natural Greenhouse Effect

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the natural process that causes the Earth to be warmer than it would be in the absence of an atmosphere. The surface of the Earth is heated by the Sun. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap this heat, keeping the planet warm.

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Greenhouse gases

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any gas that is able to absorb infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface and reradiate it back to Earth's surface e.g CO2, methane, and water vapour

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Why is the natural greenhouse process good for Earth?

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• It is good because it warms the atmosphere to a temperature that is suitable for life.

• The effect prevents freezing temperatures, as without it heat would simply pass out of Earth's surface resulting in an average temperature of approximately -20℃

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The Carbon Cycle

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The circulation of carbon on earth in which atmospheric carbon dioxide is converted to organic nutrients through photosynthesis and is again converted back to the inorganic state by respiration, decay, or combustion.

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Which processes absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

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Photosynthesis (animals and plants), carbon dioxide exchange with ocean