Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
rocks gradually wears away the minerals in a process of chemical weathering
erosion.
Killing coral reefs:
The additional carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also dissolves
into the oceans, increasing their acidity. When an ocean becomes acidic, creatures
that build coral reefs suffer. When ocean conditions are too acidic, coral reefs are
not built and the organisms that build them and live in them are threatened by ex-
tinction.
Melting glaciers and ice caps:
Increasing levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmo-
sphere trap the earth's heat, raising global temperatures. With higher temperat-
ures, the ice sheets and glaciers of the world begin to melt faster and are not re-
plenished each season because the temperatures are too warm.
Shifting weather patterns:
Higher temperatures in the atmosphere mean higher
temperatures in the oceans as well. The interaction between air and ocean tem-
peratures is what drives water into the atmosphere through evaporation (forming
clouds) and produces air circulation patterns (wind). By increasing global temper-
atures, humans will dramatically change the patterns of seasonal weather that
have been long established. Regions that are dry are likely to become drier and ex-
perience droughts, while regions that are tropical are likely to experience extens-
ive flooding. Most of all, weather patterns will become increasingly stormy and un-
predictable.
