What makes a good argument? Make a list of things you think contribute to a convincing argument.

What do you need to know about climate to develop a strong argument?

Climate vs. Weather – Definitions: Basic Components – Temperature – Precipitation Advanced – Type/timing of precipitation – # of days of sunshine – Wind speed and direction – # of days above freezing – Weather extremes

1. Direct Evidence: - Examples 2. Indirect Evidence: - Examples 3. Paleoclimate - Human records How do we know what climate was like?

CLIMATE CLUES….OCEANS Sediment What is it made of? Varying oxygen-18 levels High = _____ Low = _____

CLIMATE CLUES…OCEANS Coral Use sun to grow Each year = ring of growth Growth affected by Water temperature Cloudiness/depth of water Chemical composition of water Disease and algae blooms

Climate Clues…Rocks Uniformitarianism Processes now have not changed from those in the past Examples Evidence Rock marks Soil types Sediment

CLIMATE CLUES…ICE What did the cores tell you about climate? How do they reveal climate? Formation Evidence and conclusions: Thickness = More = Ash = ____________ Dust = Temperature and precipitation Bubbles _________________ 110,000 years

Climate Clues…Plants What conclusions could you draw about climate from the tree rings? Dendrochronology – Each year = new ring of growthyear – Directly impacted by moisture Thick ring = _______ Thin ring = _______ – Scars – 10,000 years Fossils Pollen

Warm-up What is the principle of uniformitarianism? An ice core sample was taken and there is a layer of ash, a thin layer of ice and many bubbles. What conclusions can you draw from the sample or what can you learn? EXPLAIN!! How do tree rings and corals show climate change?

Observe the graph below showing average global temperatures over the past 450,000 years. What conclusions can you make from the data shown?

Climate Clues…Conclusions Major climate conclusions: 1.Earth’s climate has changed many times (and still does!) – Periods where Earth was much warmer – Periods where Earth was mostly covered in ice

How would you describe Denver’s climate? What do you think affects Denver’s climate? WARM-UP

Factors Affecting Climate Latitude – Amount of sunlight received affects climate – Examples Elevation – Increasing = ________ – Ecosystem impacts – Examples

Nearby Water – Moderator Summers cooler, winters warmer – Lake Effect Cold air moves over warm water Increased precipitation Thundersnow! 100 mile span – Examples

Factors Impacting Climate Topography – Orographic Effect Where? Formation Wet – Rain shadow Opposite side from Orographic effect Dry

1. Describe what is going on with the climate in the picture. Make sure to explain your ideas!! 2. Where is carbon found on Earth? List at least 2 places. End

Biogeochemical cycle Why is C important? -- List 4 reasons Where is the C stored? Atmosphere Organisms* Soil & Rocks Ocean Where does it come from? DecayRespiration FireEmissions ErosionVolcanoes Global Carbon Budget Sinks vs. Sources

Atmosphere

If atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to increase, will plants take in more carbon dioxide and grow faster? Describe one path that carbon might take through the carbon cycle. Start and end in the atmosphere and include at least 5 steps.

Natural causes of climate change: Volcanic Eruptions -Eruptions release: -Ash -CO 2 -SO 2 -Causes cooling -Aerosols reflect radiation -Decrease temps ~.5˚F -1-3 years

Paleoclimate Record – Shows climate changes and major eruptions: Mt. Tambora Krakatoa Mt. Pinatubo Little Ice Age