global_climate_change_lab_report
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Northeastern University *
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4020
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Geography
Date
Jan 9, 2024
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docx
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Global Climate Change Lab Report
Instructions: In this virtual lab activity, you will examine the effects of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations to Earth's atmosphere and determine how this increase is affecting Earth's climate. You will also discuss the consequences of climate change to Earth’s biosphere. Submit your lab report to your instructor when completed.
Title: Global Climate Lab
Objective(s): Identify natural climate shifts in geologic history
Summarize evidence for climate change
Describe climate change effects on the biosphere
Differentiate between human-induced and natural climate change
Describe practical actions to take to mitigate human-induced climate change
Hypothesis: Complete the predictions below. Prediction 1
: If we increase the greenhouse forcing variable, the surface temperature will increase.
Prediction 2
: If we increase the feedback variable, the surface temperature will increase.
Variables:
The variables are described in detail in your virtual lab activity. Read these descriptions carefully. When you reach the test slides, they will list which of these variables are dependent and which is independent for each test. Be sure to record the variable below.
Test one:
Independent Variable: Greenhouse Forcing
Dependent Variable: Surface Temperature
Test two:
Independent Variable: Feedback Mechanism
Dependent Variable: Surface Temperature
Procedure: Access the virtual lab and complete the procedures described. Provide a brief summary of the steps you followed during the experimental procedure.
Materials:
Global Climate Change Virtual Lab
Summary of Steps:
First, I will adjust the greenhouse forcing value and record the respective data points. Second, I will do the same with the feedback mechanism and surface temperature value. Finally, I will analyze me results.
Data and Observations: Table 1: Greenhouse Forcing and Surface Temperature
Time
Greenhouse
Forcing Value
Maximum Surface
Temperature, C
Time to Reach
Maximum Surface
Temperature
Trial 1
0.1
16
20
Trial 2
0.05
15.5
10
Trial 3
0.0
15
1
Table 2: Feedback Mechanism and Surface Temperature
Time
Feedback
Mechanism Value
Maximum Surface
Temperature, C
Time to Reach
Maximum Surface
Temperature
Trial 1
-0.05
16
10
Trial 2
0.0
20.5
50
Trial 3
0.05
24.8
80
Conclusion:
Write a conclusion statement that addresses the following questions:
We can see from my data that a lower greenhouse forcing value causes a lower temperature, and a lower negative feedback value causes a lower temperature. Our data supports the claim that reducing climate change is more effective when negative feedback mechanisms and greenhouse gas reductions occur concurrently. My first prediction was that increasing the greenhouse forcing variable would cause the surface temperature to rise. The data in Table 1 support this hypothesis. The surface temperature decreased from 20 to 10 to 1 as the greenhouse forcing value was reduced from 0.1 to 0.05 to 0. My second prediction was that increasing the feedback variable would raise the surface temperature. The data
in Table 2 support this hypothesis. The surface temperature increased from 16 to 20.5 to 24.8 degrees Celsius as the feedback mechanism variable increased from -0.05 to 0 to 0.05.
Post-Lab Reflection Questions
Answer the reflection questions, using what you have learned from the lesson and your experimental data. It will be helpful to refer to your class notes. Answer questions in complete sentences.
1.
Explain how positive feedback loops are affecting oceans and polar regions. Human activities often correlate with the expansion of oceans and the melting of polar ice
sheets/caps due to global warming, creating negative effects that contribute to positive feedback loops affecting oceans and polar regions. The data clearly illustrates this undesirable outcome.
2.
Describe the role of
ocean and wind currents as climate regulators. Are they positive and/or negative feedback mechanisms? Provide evidence
for your reasoning.
Ocean currents often derive from wind currents. Windier conditions lead to choppier seas
and more noticeable ocean currents. As a result, onshore conditions are typically cooler than inland areas. This creates a negative feedback mechanism, helping to dissipate or counteract the growing concerns of global warming, which is beneficial to some extent.
3.
Identify three pieces of evidence that support the claim that current climate change is due
to anthropogenic causes, not natural shifts in global temperatures. First, the increased digging and consumption of oil lines up with the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Second, land degradation and biodiversity loss often
occur in areas after deforestation from industrialization. Third, increased methane and greenhouse gas emissions also lines up with the increase in landfills and waste.
4.
Describe one effect of climate change on:
a)
polar habitats
Increased global warming resulted in polar habitats to become warmer and consequently melt due to anthropogenic activities and excess greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
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b)
coastal populations
Increased melting of polar ice causes increased ocean volume, which ultimately leads to ocean expansion. This also flattens the ocean floor where the shorelines typically are, due to the increased weight of the water that was added to the ocean floor from the melted polar ice.
c)
marine ecosystems
Marine ecosystems are affected by the shifting water temperatures and ocean acidification which has resulted in mass coral die off.
d)
Agriculture
The rise in global climate change and increased release of toxins into the atmosphere may lead to the occurrence of acid rain. This could have detrimental effects on agriculture as crops may absorb the acid and other toxins, potentially rendering them unsuitable for sale or consumption.