Climate Change Overview

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What is natural variability of climate?

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Natural variability of climate refers to the fluctuations in temperatures and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere caused by natural processes.

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What are the natural causes of climate variability?

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Natural causes include changes in Earth’s orbit and tilt, occurrence of sunspots, and large-scale volcanic eruptions.

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How does Earth's orbit affect climate?

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Earth's orbit changes from circular to elliptical in a cycle of 100,000 years, affecting the amount of solar radiation received and thus temperatures.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is a natural process where greenhouse gases trap longwave radiation emitted from the Earth's surface, warming the atmosphere.

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What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

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The enhanced greenhouse effect occurs when increased concentrations of greenhouse gases lead to more heat being trapped in the atmosphere, resulting in higher global temperatures.

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What are anthropogenic factors contributing to climate change?

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Anthropogenic factors include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and changing land use, which increase greenhouse gas emissions.

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How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

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Deforestation increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere as fewer trees are available to absorb CO2, and exposed soil leads to higher temperatures and carbon oxidation.

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What are the impacts of climate change on natural systems?

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Impacts include increased atmospheric and ocean surface temperatures, changes in ocean circulations, and alterations in precipitation patterns.

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How does climate change affect ocean temperatures?

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Climate change has caused the Earth's atmospheric temperature to rise, leading to increased ocean temperatures, with some areas warming more than others.

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What is the impact of excessive rainfall due to climate change?

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Excessive rainfall can lead to flash flooding, soil erosion, and destruction of habitats, affecting terrestrial ecosystems.