Introduction to Climate Change Science

Weather versus Climate Weather refers to the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time, such as hours or days, and typically for a local area. Climate refers to the behavior of the atmosphere over a longer period of time, and usually for a large area. Climate and climate change are difficult to understand because of its longer temporal scale and larger spatial scale

Weather versus Climate A YouTube video on the differences between weather and climate: (click the link below to watch the video)

Weather versus Climate How do scientists understand and study climate? Average measurements over a large area (e.g., the entire globe, or tropical area, or polar area) a long period (e.g., over 5, 10, 20 years). That’s why we cannot “feel” climate. Does not mean there will not be a cold winters. Remember climate is an average of a long period of time!

Climate Change Science Studying climate and understanding climate change are NOT new sciences. We have been studying climate for a long time. What is “ NEW ” Understand more and more about our climate Realize that climate change can have HUGE impact on our way of life.

Consequences of Climate Change Higher Temperature: This graph shows that in most parts of the United States, the average temperature has increased since the early 20th century to 2009 was the warmest decade ever recorded

Consequences of Climate Change Wilder Weather: Hurricanes and other storms grow stronger, with faster wind and heavier rain, and they are more often.

Consequences of Climate Change Melting Glaciers: As glaciers and the giant ice sheets on Greenland and Antarctica melt, they add more water into the ocean, which causes sea level to rise.

Various Consequences of Climate Change Shrinking Sea Ice: The amount of summer ice in the Arctic Ocean in recent years was the smallest it's been since scientists started using satellites to measure it in the 1970s. The ice is also getting thinner. Overall, Arctic sea ice will continue to shrink in the coming decades.

Consequences of Climate Change Warmer Oceans: Surface of the world's oceans has become warmer overall since 1880 World's oceans are warmer now than at any point in the last 50 years.

Various Consequences of Climate Change Rising Sea Level: Over the past 100 years, the average sea level around the world rose by nearly 7 inches. Due to: Glacier melting and temperatures rising (thermal expansion)

Various Consequences of Climate Change Increased Ocean Acidity: Carbon dioxide reacts with sea water to form carbonic acid. As the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the ocean increases, and so does ocean acidity.

Chain Reactions of Climate Change Increased greenhouse gases Higher Temperature Warmer Ocean Ocean Acidification Melting glaciers Shrinking sea ice Wilder weather Global sea level rise