GLOBAL CLIMATE

1. GLOBAL CLIMATE WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF HURRICANES AND TORNADOES? HOW CAN YOU IDENTIFY GLOBAL PATTERNS OF CLIMATE? WHAT FACTORS CAUSE GLOBAL CLIMATE PATTERNS?

2. GLOBAL CLIMATE • GLOBAL WARMING – the gradual increase in the temperature of the earth’s surface. • Solar radiation – energy from the sun • Greenhouse effect – the heating of the earth’s surface caused by gases creating a ‘roof’ over the lower atmosphere

3. GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT’S THE PROBLEM • During the day, earth’s atmosphere protects the planet from the full strength of the sun’s heat energy. • At night, when half the earth is in shadow, the atmosphere keeps that heat energy from escaping into space. • This means our atmosphere helps to cool down daytime temperatures and maintain the temperature at night. But, there is a problem.

4. PROBLEM • For the past two centuries the atmosphere has been capturing more solar energy, causing a slow increase in temperature on the earth’s surface, known as GLOBAL WARMING. • The sun isn’t burning brighter or hotter. So, where is the extra heat coming from? • What effects will this have on the planet if it continues?

5. GREENHOUSE GASES

6. GREENHOUSE GASES • Gases are made up of tiny particles called molecules that absorb the sun’s heat energy. • The name ‘greenhouse gases’ comes from the way gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (NO2) capture solar radiation. • They act somewhat like a “roof” on the lower atmosphere, like the glass roof of a gardener’s greenhouse. • This is called the ‘greenhouse effect.