Blue Planet Finding the Cause
Although water is the most abundant greenhouse gas, what does its lifetime mean for
its contribution to the observed warming trend? - ANSWER-Water's contribution is
probably less than other gases because it's not in the atmosphere for very long
As you learned in Our Blue Planet, there is one key factor that this simulation does not
take into account. What major factor is missing? - ANSWER-Atmospheric Composition
Can natural processes change the albedo of the Earth? - ANSWER-Temperature of
Earth after eruption (degrees C): - 19.8
Degrees colder (C): 1.6
Comparing the two, which gases seem to follow the temperature trend? Select all that
apply. - ANSWER-Water, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane
Do changes in Earth's orbit drastically affect temperature? - ANSWER-Perihelion
Temperature (degrees C): -15.6
Aphelion Temperature (degrees C): -20.7
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. - ANSWER-- 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.
Final check: - ANSWER-warming
atmosphere
atmosphere
carbon dioxide
Given the evidence you've investigated, could the atmosphere or parts of it be behind
the observed warming trend? - ANSWER-Yes. Several atmospheric gases follow the
observed warming trend, including some known greenhouse gases.
How many years does it take to get from peak luminosity to peak luminosity? -
ANSWER-11
If all else is constant, what should the change in Earth's albedo mean for the global
average temperature? - ANSWER-Increase
Although water is the most abundant greenhouse gas, what does its lifetime mean for
its contribution to the observed warming trend? - ANSWER-Water's contribution is
probably less than other gases because it's not in the atmosphere for very long
As you learned in Our Blue Planet, there is one key factor that this simulation does not
take into account. What major factor is missing? - ANSWER-Atmospheric Composition
Can natural processes change the albedo of the Earth? - ANSWER-Temperature of
Earth after eruption (degrees C): - 19.8
Degrees colder (C): 1.6
Comparing the two, which gases seem to follow the temperature trend? Select all that
apply. - ANSWER-Water, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane
Do changes in Earth's orbit drastically affect temperature? - ANSWER-Perihelion
Temperature (degrees C): -15.6
Aphelion Temperature (degrees C): -20.7
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. - ANSWER-- 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.
Final check: - ANSWER-warming
atmosphere
atmosphere
carbon dioxide
Given the evidence you've investigated, could the atmosphere or parts of it be behind
the observed warming trend? - ANSWER-Yes. Several atmospheric gases follow the
observed warming trend, including some known greenhouse gases.
How many years does it take to get from peak luminosity to peak luminosity? -
ANSWER-11
If all else is constant, what should the change in Earth's albedo mean for the global
average temperature? - ANSWER-Increase
