BioBeyond Finding the Cause Questions and
Answers| Latest Update
We have calculated the effective temperature of the Earth if its albedo were 0.04 in the table
below. Identify the effective temperature and then convert the temperature to Celsius. To convert
from Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273. 2.7
While we can calculate the temperature of an asphalt-covered Earth, is this realistic? No,
it's not feasible to pave the oceans because asphalt is heavy and would sink.
We have calculated the effective temperature of the Earth if its albedo were 0.85 in the table
below. Identify the effective temperature and then convert the temperature to Celsius. To convert
from Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273. -99.7
While we can calculate the temperature of a snow-covered Earth, do you think this is realistic?
You will be scored on completion, not accuracy. Yes, shifts in Earth's climate could bring
about a snow-covered Earth.
Make a hypothesis - what will the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the aerosol it releases do to
Earth's albedo and temperature? The aerosol decreased albedo, decreasing Earth's
temperature
Earth's temperature at its normal albedo of 0.310 predicted by this model is -18.2 degrees C.
How much colder is Earth in this model after the eruption? Temperature of Earth after
eruption (degrees C) : -19.8
, Degrees colder (C): 1.6
Was your hypothesis supported by the data? No
What trends did you notice about snow and ice in Then and Now? Levels of snow and ice
are generally decreasing
What is the most likely direct cause of the snow and ice loss you observed in Then and Now?
Increasing temperature
What will happen to Earth's albedo from the loss of snow and ice? Earth's albedo will
decrease
If all else is constant, what should the change in Earth's albedo mean for the global average
temperature? The global average temperature will increase
You've now investigated several scenarios regarding Earth's albedo. Is it likely, then, that a
change in Earth's albedo is causing the temperature increase? No. Earth's albedo is
decreasing because snow and ice are melting, but it is the temperature increase causing the melt,
not the other way around.
Perihelion Temperature (degrees C) -16.6
Aphelion Temperature (degrees C) -19.8
Answers| Latest Update
We have calculated the effective temperature of the Earth if its albedo were 0.04 in the table
below. Identify the effective temperature and then convert the temperature to Celsius. To convert
from Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273. 2.7
While we can calculate the temperature of an asphalt-covered Earth, is this realistic? No,
it's not feasible to pave the oceans because asphalt is heavy and would sink.
We have calculated the effective temperature of the Earth if its albedo were 0.85 in the table
below. Identify the effective temperature and then convert the temperature to Celsius. To convert
from Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273. -99.7
While we can calculate the temperature of a snow-covered Earth, do you think this is realistic?
You will be scored on completion, not accuracy. Yes, shifts in Earth's climate could bring
about a snow-covered Earth.
Make a hypothesis - what will the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the aerosol it releases do to
Earth's albedo and temperature? The aerosol decreased albedo, decreasing Earth's
temperature
Earth's temperature at its normal albedo of 0.310 predicted by this model is -18.2 degrees C.
How much colder is Earth in this model after the eruption? Temperature of Earth after
eruption (degrees C) : -19.8
, Degrees colder (C): 1.6
Was your hypothesis supported by the data? No
What trends did you notice about snow and ice in Then and Now? Levels of snow and ice
are generally decreasing
What is the most likely direct cause of the snow and ice loss you observed in Then and Now?
Increasing temperature
What will happen to Earth's albedo from the loss of snow and ice? Earth's albedo will
decrease
If all else is constant, what should the change in Earth's albedo mean for the global average
temperature? The global average temperature will increase
You've now investigated several scenarios regarding Earth's albedo. Is it likely, then, that a
change in Earth's albedo is causing the temperature increase? No. Earth's albedo is
decreasing because snow and ice are melting, but it is the temperature increase causing the melt,
not the other way around.
Perihelion Temperature (degrees C) -16.6
Aphelion Temperature (degrees C) -19.8
