Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
10.
Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution, atmo-
spheric carbon dioxide has increased about 30% and
is expected to increase further. In that same time, av-
erage global temperature has increased about 1°C
(1.8°F). In the next century, average global tempera-
ture is predicted to increase about another 2°C to 4°C
(4°F-7°F).
C h e C k Y o u r u n d e r s t a n d i n g
1.
Compare and contrast the concepts of weather and
climate.
9.
Both the moist-continental and boreal-forest climates
have a large annual range of temperature. Why does
this variability occur?
2.
How does latitude influence the distribution of global
climates?
10.
How can ancient plant pollen be used to reconstruct
past climate changes?
3.
Discuss the variables that are included within the Köppen
climate system.
11.
How can tree rings be used to reconstruct past climate
changes?
4.
Why does the wet-equatorial climate receive consistent
rainfall throughout the year?
12.
Describe the logic behind the use of oxygen isotopes
to reconstruct Quaternary climate changes. What does
this record indicate for the past ~1.9 million years?
5.
In contrast to the wet-equatorial climate, the tropi-
cal wet-dry climate has a distinct dry season. At what
time of year does the dry season occur, and why does it
happen?
13.
Describe the three components of the Milankovitch
theory. How does a change in each of these variables
increase the possibility of glaciation?
6.
The Mediterranean and marine west-coast climates are
similar in that both have moderate annual temperatures.
However, the marine west-coast climate receives more
precipitation. Why?
14.
Why do increased levels of atmospheric carbon diox-
ide contribute to global warming?
15.
What is the evidence for a close relationship between
atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate change in the
prehistoric past?
7.
Why is the tropical desert climate dry over the course of
the entire year?
8.
The Subtropical High (STH) Pressure System is usually
associated with dry climates, but, in the case of the hu-
mid subtropical climate, it contributes to summer rain-
fall. Why does this pattern occur?
16.
What role has the United States played in the enrich-
ment of atmospheric carbon dioxide?
17.
What are the projected levels of future global warming
and some of the potential impacts?
ANSWERS TO VISUAL CONCEPT CHECKS
V i s u a l C o n C e p t C h e C k 9 . 1
The answer is
c
; the area is dominated by the Subtropical High (STH) Pressure System. This pressure
system consists of descending air that warms adiabatically. Thus, it is dry in the Middle East.
V i s u a l C o n C e p t C h e C k 9 . 2
The lower 48 states can be subdivided into three general zones of precipitation. The southeastern
United States is a zone of high precipitation that originates from moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
This moisture is pumped into the southeastern states by the Subtropical High (STH) Pressure System.
The western part of the United States is fundamentally dry, mostly because this area lies in the rain
shadow of the Rocky, Cascade, and Sierra Nevada Mountains. The West Coast of the United States
is an area of high precipitation because orographic processes release moisture that flows inland from
the Pacific Ocean.
