Blue Planet: Finding the Cause Questions and
Answers| Latest Update
Given the evidence you've investigated, could the atmosphere or parts of it be behind the
observed warming trend? Yes. Several atmospheric gases follow the observed warming
trend, including some known greenhouse gases.
What are the maximum and minimum values for solar luminosity shown in the data?
Maximum Luminosity (W/sq. m): 1364
Minimum Luminosity (W/sq. m): 1360
What pattern do you see in the data? Solar luminosity is rising and falling in a cycle
How many years does it take to get from peak luminosity to peak luminosity? 11
What temperature should result from average luminosity? Average Global Temperature
(degrees C): -18.2
What temperature should result from minimum luminosity? -18.9
^ maximum -18
Does this match well with the recent rate of change in Earth's temperature? Focus solely on the
difference in temperatures, since the simulation doesn't include atmospheric effects. Select all
, that apply. - No. The luminosity changes go up and down, and the temperature trend is
generally upward.
- No. The luminosity changes predict smaller temperature changes than were observed.
Which of the factors you investigated - albedo, distance from the Sun, solar luminosity, or the
atmosphere does the evidence indicate is most likely causing the recent rapid temperature rise
observed on Earth? Atmosphere
Which of these concentrations is the largest? 1ppm
Order them in the list below from most to least concentrated in the atmosphere Water
Carbon Dioxide
Methane
Nitrous Oxide
Looking at volume of these gases, which is probably the greatest contributor to the ability of
Earth's atmosphere to retain heat? Water
Although water is the most abundant greenhouse gas, what does its lifetime mean for its
contribution to the observed warming trend? Water's contribution is probably less than
other gases because it's not in the atmosphere for very long
Looking at the data to the right, which gas is probably most responsible? Carbon Dioxide
Answers| Latest Update
Given the evidence you've investigated, could the atmosphere or parts of it be behind the
observed warming trend? Yes. Several atmospheric gases follow the observed warming
trend, including some known greenhouse gases.
What are the maximum and minimum values for solar luminosity shown in the data?
Maximum Luminosity (W/sq. m): 1364
Minimum Luminosity (W/sq. m): 1360
What pattern do you see in the data? Solar luminosity is rising and falling in a cycle
How many years does it take to get from peak luminosity to peak luminosity? 11
What temperature should result from average luminosity? Average Global Temperature
(degrees C): -18.2
What temperature should result from minimum luminosity? -18.9
^ maximum -18
Does this match well with the recent rate of change in Earth's temperature? Focus solely on the
difference in temperatures, since the simulation doesn't include atmospheric effects. Select all
, that apply. - No. The luminosity changes go up and down, and the temperature trend is
generally upward.
- No. The luminosity changes predict smaller temperature changes than were observed.
Which of the factors you investigated - albedo, distance from the Sun, solar luminosity, or the
atmosphere does the evidence indicate is most likely causing the recent rapid temperature rise
observed on Earth? Atmosphere
Which of these concentrations is the largest? 1ppm
Order them in the list below from most to least concentrated in the atmosphere Water
Carbon Dioxide
Methane
Nitrous Oxide
Looking at volume of these gases, which is probably the greatest contributor to the ability of
Earth's atmosphere to retain heat? Water
Although water is the most abundant greenhouse gas, what does its lifetime mean for its
contribution to the observed warming trend? Water's contribution is probably less than
other gases because it's not in the atmosphere for very long
Looking at the data to the right, which gas is probably most responsible? Carbon Dioxide
