2ND SEMESTER EXAMStudy Guide

24-54

# 24 What is the carbon cycle?

#24 What is the Carbon Cycle

Carbon is an element that makes up every living thing on our planet. It continuously moves through all plants, animals, soils, oceans, and the atmosphere.

The movement of carbon is referred to as the carbon cycle.

# 25 Describe three ways that carbon dioxide is ADDED to the atmosphere:

# 25 Describe three ways that carbon dioxide is ADDED to the atmosphere:

by volcanic activity not only adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, but it also adds dust and ash which can affect climate.

through the respiration of organisms by the burning of fossils fuels (remember

on an earlier slide, it is mentioned that FL burns FFs (coal)? Gases are released into the atmosphere here! *And, yes, acid rain is a result BUT so is an increase in global temperature!

#26 Describe three ways that carbon dioxide is REMOVED from the atmosphere:

#26 Describe three ways that carbon dioxide is REMOVED from the atmosphere:

through the photosynthesis of vegetation **Think…Plants (producers) take in CO2 and give off Oxygen (our atmosphere contains 20% oxygen thanks to plants!).

when CO₂ dissolves in water when carbonate sediments are deposited

#27 What happens to atmospheric temperatures when carbon dioxide levels increase? Decrease?

#27 What happens to atmospheric temperatures when carbon dioxide levels increase? Decrease?

When CO2 levels increase, so does temperature as it is a Green house gas! It eats at the ozone layer, altering it so radiation (converted to thermal energy) is trapped.

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution about 200 years ago, the carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere has increased by 40%. Most scientists agree that this has warmed the Earth up, and that the warming could have devastating effects on the environment.

When carbon dioxide levels decrease, Earth cools, some water vapor falls out of the atmosphere, and the greenhouse warming caused by water vapor drops.

#28 List several causes of deep water ocean currents.

Good reading on deep and surface currents==

http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/edu/k12/OceanCirculations/body

#28 List several causes of deep water ocean currents.

Ultimately DENSITY!!!!!!!!

Changes in temperature (cold = dense, hot = less dense) affect density. Convection transfers heat.

Changes in salinity affect density (more salt = more dense and less salt = less dense). Temperature affects salinity (salt does not freeze in ice!)

**As the warm water rises though, the cold water is forced to rise through upwelling and fill the void left by the warm. By contrast, when cold water rises, it too leaves a void and the rising warm water is then forced, through down welling, to descend and fill this empty space.** Upwelling is also caused by natural disasters.

# 32 List several causes of surface ocean currents.

**Yes…no idea what happened to 29, 30, and 31

# 29 List several causes of surface ocean currents.

MOSTLY WIND (Global winds) because it creates friction as it moves over the water. This friction then forces the water to move in a spiral pattern, creating gyres. These winds are caused by pressure differences (air

moves from high to low), which are caused by temperature differences!

Earth’s Rotation causes the Coriolis Effect which causes winds/gyres to curve clockwise (N) or counterclockwise (S)

Tides Geological Features and Shorelines

#33 Describe the Location of the Gulf Stream Current.

#34 How does the Gulf Stream impact the climates of North America and northwestern Europe?

#33 Describe the Location of the Gulf Stream Current. #34 How does the Gulf Stream impact the climates of North America and

northwestern Europe?

Easy to see from these images why the Gulf Current affects FL’s climate making it warm and humid. …and how that is transferred to NW Europe. Compare this to the other side of our country where the climate is drier and cooler!

#35 List and give examples of the three ways that heat is transferred.

#35 List and give examples of the three ways that heat is transferred.

Radiation: the transfer of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. This is the INITIAL transfer of energy (Example: Sun to Earth) *Remember only 50% of the radiation is absorbed. The other 50% is either absorbed by the atmosphere, or reflected by the atmosphere-clouds-polar ice.

Convection: the transfer of thermal energy in a fluid (liquid or gas), in which warmer fluid rises and cooler fluid sinks in a convection current. (Example: Once water has been heated due to radiation of the sun, the currents transfer that heat through surface currents = convection!)

Conduction: the transfer of heat from a substance already warmed by radiation to another substance through direct contact. (Example: Feet get burned by the sand that has been warmed by the radiation of the sun)

# 36 Describe the role(s) that conduction, convection, and radiation play in the heating of Earth’s atmosphere.

Radiation, Convection, and Conduction on a hot sunny day at the beach!

Initial heating is radiation, Breeze (wind) is convection, and solids involved after initial heating = conduction!

#36 Describe the role(s) that conduction, convection, and radiation play in the heating of Earth’s atmosphere.

The sun warms the Earth through Radiation 50% of this radiation gets to the surface The other 50% is reflected (by clouds, polar ice, or the

atmosphere) or absorbed by the atmosphere (which affects temperature).

The Surface then gives off that radiation where convection transfers that heat (through liquids/gases) or solids transfer that heat though conduction.

The higher up (elevation) the cooler the atmosphere due to altitude (further from the surface that absorbed).

The Troposphere contains the most amount of gases, gases that can absorb this radiation.

#37 Give several examples of interactions between the following earth spheres:

#37 Give several examples of interactions between the following earth spheres:

atmosphere and hydrosphere Water from the hydrosphere continuously circulates in the atmosphere (water cycle) to

provide and replenish Earth’s freshwater supply. Due to the uneven heating of Earth, convection cells are created which ends up producing

winds. These winds are a factor that influences ocean currents.

atmosphere and geosphere When volcanoes erupt, they spew ash and smoke into the atmosphere which can affect

the climate of an area. The Sun radiates light onto the Earth and the atmosphere traps the heat, determining the

temperature of the geosphere.

atmosphere and biosphere The atmosphere provides living organisms with oxygen they need to live. The atmosphere protects us on Earth from much of the harmful UV rays from the Sun. Humans often cause air pollution through activities such as driving cars and burning fossil

fuels which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Hydrosphere and biosphere When building a hydroelectric plant, changing the flow of water affects local ecosystems

(that rely on dams). Boats/gas/oil in the water affects marine life.

**********Keep in mind, before humans build, they must get permission and explain HOW they are going to protect the communities natural resources. *******************

#38 What is the difference between latitude and longitude? - Between elevation and altitude?

# 39 Where are the lowest and highest latitudes?

#38 What is the difference between latitude and longitude? - Between elevation and altitude?

# 39 Where are the lowest and highest latitudes?

Latitude is horizontal a location's distance north or south of the equator

Longitude is vertical a location's distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Elevation: the difference in height between two locations Altitude: the height above sea level

Generally, the height of geographical features, such as mountains, are measured by elevation. The height of objects, such as planes, are measured by altitude.

# 39 Where are the lowest and highest latitudes? Lowest= equator Highest= poles

#40 How do climates vary based on the following factors?

LatitudeElevationGeographic location near a body of water

vs. within a continent away from waterPresence of snow, icecaps, glaciers, clouds.

#40 How do climates vary based on the following factors?

Latitude; Elevation; Geographic location near a body of water vs. within a continent away from water; Presence

of snow, icecaps, glaciers, clouds. Latitude – how close it is to the equator. As latitude

increases (away from equator), temp . decreases (less direct sunlight).

Elevation: as elevation increases the temp . decreases (think mountains)

Body of Water vs. Land: Coastal= small temp range due to water absorbing and holding

onto heat. Land= large temp range (land quickly absorbs radiation, yet

quickly gives it off!). . Presence of Snow, Ice and Clouds: cools climate due to

reflection of radiation. *Albedo

Where would a city that is generally warmer throughout the entire year be located???

Low Latitude, Low Altitude

# 41 How do the climates of the northern and southern hemispheres vary? Why?

# 41 How do the climates of the northern and southern hemispheres vary? Why?

They are the opposite! When the N. Hemisphere is experiencing Summer due to the position of the Earth on its axis, the S. Hemisphere is experiencing Winter because it is receiving indirect radiation (facing away from the sun).

ALSO--Climates in the southern hemisphere overall tend to be slightly milder than those in the northern hemisphere except in the Antarctic which is colder than the Arctic. This is because the southern hemisphere has significantly more oceans and less land than the northern hemisphere. Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land.

#42 How does Earth’s rotation impact ocean and air currents?

#42 How does Earth’s rotation impact ocean and air currents?

The Coriolis Effect curves the winds and surface ocean currents to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.

#43 What are the four main types of air masses?

#43 What are the four main types of air masses?

44. What are the causes of stormy weather? - of fair weather?

44. What are the causes of stormy weather? - of fair weather?

Stormy--Warm air rises because it is less dense. The rising air produces an area of low pressure. Warm air moves to the center of the system. It then rises, as warm air does. Clouds form and Low Pressure areas result in rain and storms.

Fair--Cool air sinks, so High Pressure sits above the ground. As the cool air sinks, it warms. All water is evaporated. Clouds disappear. High Pressure areas usually have dry, clear, fair weather.

45. How can wind speed and direction be predicted using a weather map?

45. How can wind speed and direction be predicted using a weather map?

Isobars show the wind speed. When lines are close together the wind speed is higher.

Wind speed is measured with an Anemometer. It is ranked on the Beaufort Scale.

Remember, wind is moving air. Air moving from HIGH pressure (H) to LOW pressure (L).

#46 What are the factors necessary for a hurricane to form? Describe the structure of a hurricane.

#46 What are the factors necessary for a hurricane to form? Describe the structure of a hurricane.

In order for hurricanes to form, the water must be at least 80 degrees F, and 150 M deep. The air must also be warm.

47. If Earth’s average temperature increases (global warming), what will be the impact on severe weather events such as hurricanes?

47. If Earth’s average temperature increases (global warming), what will be the impact on severe weather events

such as hurricanes?

If temperatures are increasing, ocean temperatures will also increase. If Ocean temperatures increase, so will the number of hurricanes AND the intensity.

48. What is the relationship between greenhouse gases, global warming and global climate change?

48. What is the relationship between greenhouse gases, global warming and global climate change?

Greenhouse gases are gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing radiation.

Global warming is an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures resulting especially from pollution (increase of greenhouse gases).

Global climate change is a change in the world’s climate. Greenhouse gases are a main cause for global warming which has a major impact on global climate change.

THINK Sitting in your car with the windows up. Heat can’t escape!

49. Give specific examples of how changes in each of Earth’s systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere and cryosphere) can influence the climate of Earth.

49. Give specific examples of how changes in each of Earth’s systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere

and cryosphere) can influence the climate of Earth.

Atmosphere (not exosphere)—cloudier = cooler, Greenhouse gasses trap air to make warmer.

Hydrosphere- As the air temperature is rising, the ocean temperature is rising as well. Higher ocean temperatures can lead to more frequent and more damaging storms as well as fuel stronger hurricanes. Higher temperatures can also cause the sea levels to rise through expansion of the water and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets.

Geosphere- Destruction of land due to mining pollutes water, higher seas = less geosphere.

Biosphere- Pollution. See Carbon Cycle—Addition of Carbon Dioxide due to burning of fossil fuels = over all temperature increase.

Cryosphere- Melting of polar ice is causing sea levels to rise and habitats are disappearing. Also, less polar ice to reflect radiation = overall temp rising.

50. Compare the influence of large land areas (continents) and large bodies of water (oceans) on weather and climate.  Compare the influence of altitude and latitude on weather and climate.

50. Compare the influence of large land areas (continents) and large bodies of water (oceans) on weather and

climate.  Compare the influence of altitude and latitude on weather and climate.

Weather is day to day and Climate is the average over years

Coastal areas are more moist and have a smaller temp range (climate). Daily storms are more common (weather). *Remember, water takes longer to heat, but holds on to heat. Thus, average temperatures are less extreme and regulated.

Continental (Inland) areas are dry and have a larger temp range. Daily weather is more stable, yet weather can stick around for longer spans of time.

As latitude increases temp decreases. As altitude increases temp decreases.

# 51 What is the difference between:

A test (independent) variable and an outcome (dependent) variable? – Test variable is the manipulating variable/independent variable. It has been changed (on purpose), causing the outcome, (responding variable or dependent variable), to change. Changing the amount of water given to a plant (test v) to see how if affects growth (outcome v).

Reliable data and replicable data? - Reliable= you can trust it; it has been repeated and replicated. Replicable= Anyone can copy it. Similar.

# 52 Explain the role of models in science; give examples of the benefits and limitations of specific models.

Models are meant to take a large concept or object and scale it down (or up) to something workable and understandable. ie, our terrarium, a globe, waves, etc.

Models usually include approximations as a convenient way to describe something that happens in nature. These approximations are not exact, so predictions based on them tend to be a little bit different from what you actually observe.

# 53 What is the difference between theories and laws? Cite specific examples.

A theory is a well-substantiated, well-supported, well-documented explanation for our observations. i.e., Theory of Plate Tectonics, Big Bang Theory. There can be more than one theory about a given scientific concept.

Laws are concise verbal or mathematical statement of a relationship. i.e., Kepler’s Laws, Newton’s Laws, and the Law of Conservation of Energy.

54. Cite specific examples that show how scientific knowledge is durable because it is open to change.

Alfred Wegener----continental drift to plate tectonics….. Knowledge of convection currents brought about change in the theory.

Copernicus changed the thought that the universe revolved around Earth….bringing knowledge and evidence that WE are the ones revolving around the sun.

Pluto used to be considered a planet….now it is not!

Meteorology is ALWAYS changing as technology improves. In fact, technology has brought about the most change to science.