3-2 Final Project Milestone Two_ The Earth_s Climate System and Geologic Events
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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315
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Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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5
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The climate system of our planet is incredibly intricate, comprising a vast array of physical,
biological, and chemical processes that work in concert to regulate Earth's temperature, weather
patterns, and atmospheric composition. These processes include the exchange of heat and
moisture between the oceans and the atmosphere, the absorption and reflection of sunlight by the
Earth's surface and atmosphere, the circulation of air and ocean currents around the globe, and
the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements through the biosphere. Despite the
complexity of these interactions, the climate system tends to self-regulate over time, adjusting to
external forcings and internal feedback to maintain a stable and habitable environment for
humans and other life on Earth.
Our planet orbits around the sun, the star that provides us with
the energy and sustenance we need to survive. The warmth and light that it emits are vital to
support life on Earth, but its influence goes beyond that. The sun undergoes a complex solar
cycle that lasts 11 years, resulting in slight variations in brightness that can affect the Earth's
climate in various ways. This can lead to changes in solar activity, radiation levels, and
appearance.
Moreover, the Earth's orbit around the sun plays a crucial role in determining the amount and
distribution of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, which further shapes the weather
and climate to comprehend the natural forces that shape our planet's atmosphere; it is essential to
understand the intricate interplay between the sun and Earth and their movements. These orbital
cycles are referred to as the Milankovitch cycles, and they cause variations of up to 25% in the
amount of incoming solar radiation at Earth's mid-latitudes.
The Earth's atmosphere receives
energy from the sun's solar radiation, which is then dispersed throughout the planet's climate
system. When the sun's energy enters the atmosphere, it can be reflected into space by clouds or
absorbed by the atmosphere and surface. Roughly 29% of the incoming solar energy is reflected,
leaving around 71% to be absorbed by the atmosphere and land. To maintain equilibrium, the
Earth's surface must radiate back into space about 48% of the incoming solar energy. This energy
is released through three processes: evaporation, convection, and thermal radiation. Over the last
few decades, there has been a significant upsurge in the Earth's temperature, and scientific
evidence suggests that human activities are the primary cause of this phenomenon. The emission
of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, from the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial processes has contributed to the rapid warming of the planet. This increase in
temperature cannot be attributed to natural factors like the Earth's orbit around the sun, which has
remained relatively constant. Instead, human activities have significantly altered the balance of
the Earth's atmosphere and are causing severe changes in global climate patterns with potentially
catastrophic consequences.
The transfer of energy in our atmosphere is a complex process that is
made possible by advection. Advection is a phenomenon where energy is carried along through
the horizontal movement of air, causing the wind to blow from warmer regions to cooler ones.
This energy transfer is an essential mechanism that regulates the temperature and climate of our
planet. Advection occurs when warm air moves from parts of higher temperature to areas with
lower temperatures. The movement of air can be influenced by factors such as the rotation of the
earth, the topography of the land, and the distribution of water bodies. As air moves, it carries
energy from heat, moisture, and other atmospheric components. The energy transfer facilitated
by advection plays a crucial role in regulating our planet's temperature and climate. It helps to
distribute heat and moisture across the globe, and it is responsible for the formation of many
weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Understanding the
complex processes involved in energy transfer through advection is essential for predicting and
mitigating the impact of extreme weather events on our planet.
The ocean is a vast body of water
that is constantly in motion.
It comprises two significant circulation features that work together to maintain its equilibrium:
surface and deep-sea circulation. The former is driven by the wind, which causes the surface
water to move in specific directions, producing areas of convergence or divergence. This
movement affects the distribution of heat, salt, and nutrients, which are vital for the survival of
marine organisms and the balance of the Earth's climate. The latter - deep-sea circulation - is
determined by density, temperature, and salinity and is responsible for the ocean's global
conveyor belt, which moves cold, salty water from the poles to the equator and warm, less-salted
water from the equator to the bars. The exchange of energy between the atmosphere and the
ocean is an ongoing process facilitated by heat transfer. The ocean absorbs more solar radiation
than the Earth's surface and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature and
distributing energy to the surrounding regions. This process is essential for weather patterns, the
formation of marine ecosystems, and the overall health of the planet. The geological processes of
volcanism and tectonism have a profound and complex impact on our world. These processes not
only shape the landforms but also have significant effects on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and
oceans. When a volcanic eruption occurs, it releases a tremendous amount of particulate matter
and gases into the air, which can have global effects on the climate. The particulate matter, such
as ash and aerosols, can be carried by global winds and affect sunlight penetration and
atmospheric composition. The gases emitted, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and water
vapor, can also have a significant impact on the climate. For example, sulfur dioxide can lead to
a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight into space, while carbon dioxide can contribute to global
warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere. These effects can have far-reaching consequences
for our planet, including changes in sea level, ocean currents, weather patterns, and ecosystems.
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