8.6+Global+warming

IB Physics > Energy, Power and Climate Change =8.6 GLOBAL WARMING= 8.6.1 Describe some possible models of global warming Students must be aware that a range of models has been suggested to explain global warming, including changes in the composition of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, increased solar flare activity, cyclical changes in the Earth’s orbit and volcanic activity. 8.6.2 State what is meant by the enhanced greenhouse effect. It is sufficient for students to be aware that enhancement of the greenhouse effect is caused by human activities. 8.6.3 Identify the increased combustion of fossil fuels as the likely major cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect. Students should be aware that, although debatable, the generally accepted view of most scientists is that human activities, mainly related to burning of fossil fuels, have released extra carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 8.6.4 Describe the evidence that links global warming to increased levels of greenhouse gases. For example, international ice core research produces evidence of atmospheric composition and mean global temperatures over thousands of years (ice cores up to 420,000 years have been drilled in the Russian Antarctic base, Vostok). 8.6.5 Outline some of the mechanisms that may increase the rate of global warming. Students should know that: • global warming reduces ice/snow cover, which in turn changes the albedo, to increase rate of heat absorption • temperature increase reduces the solubility of CO2 in the sea and increases atmospheric concentrations • deforestation reduces carbon fixation. 8.6.6 Define //coefficient of volume expansion//. Students should know that the coefficient of volume expansion is the fractional change in volume per degree change in temperature. 8.6.7 State that one possible effect of the enhanced greenhouse effect is a rise in mean sea-level. 8.6.8 Outline possible reasons for a predicted rise in mean sea-level. Students should be aware that precise predictions are difficult to make due to factors such as: • anomalous expansion of water • different effects of ice melting on sea water compared to ice melting on land. 8.6.9 Identify climate change as an outcome of the enhanced greenhouse effect.
 * 8.1 Energy degradation and Power Generation || 8.2 World energy sources || 8.3 Fossil fuel power production || 8.4 Non-fossil fuel power production || 8.5 Greenhouse effect || 8.6 Global warming ||  ||   ||
 * Global warming **