Energy Flow and Climate Change

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Model

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A representation used to describe, explain, or predict the behavior of a system, specifically the flow of energy into and out of Earth's systems and its effect on climate.

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Earth’s Systems

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The interconnected components of Earth, such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, which interact to regulate energy flow and determine climate patterns.

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Volcanic Eruptions

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The release of magma, ash, and gases from a volcano, which can reflect sunlight away from the surface and cool the climate over short timescales (1-10 years).

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Human Activity

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Actions by humans, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, that increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, altering Earth's energy balance and contributing to climate change.

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Solar Output

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The amount of energy emitted by the Sun, which can vary over time and affect the energy entering Earth's systems, influencing climate on timescales of decades to centuries.

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Atmospheric Composition

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The mix of gases in Earth's atmosphere, including greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat and influence climate over millions of years.

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Surface Temperatures

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The temperature of Earth's surface, influenced by the flow of energy and a key indicator of climate change.

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Sea Levels

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The average height of the ocean's surface, which can rise or fall due to changes in climate, particularly from melting ice and thermal expansion of seawater.

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Biosphere Distribution

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The spread of living organisms across Earth's surface, which can shift due to climate change, affecting ecosystems and species survival.

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Geoscience Data

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Information gathered from observations and measurements of Earth's systems, including climate, weather patterns, and environmental conditions, used to analyze and understand climate change.