8.6+Global+warming+Notes+2011

Back to IB PHYSICS > ENERGY, POWER AND CLIMATE CHANGE > PHYSICS CLASS 2011 COLLABORATIVE NOTES PROJECT You should write notes on the section which is allocated to you. Make sure your notes are easy to understand and include pictures, links and examples where appropriate. Explain the formulas from the data booklet where necessary. On each page, you will see the syllabus references. To write notes, click on EDIT. You can then write, insert files and pictures or links. You could link to useful web resources, java applets etc. You can obtain information from the text books or the Internet. You must login to be able to edit and you must be a member of the wiki. Deon || 8.2 World energy sources Notes 2011 Zac || 8.3 Fossil fuel power production Notes 2011 Bevis || 8.4 Non-fossil fuel power production Notes 2011 Reilly, Luke, Ryan || 8.5 Greenhouse effect Notes 2011 Luka, Antoine || 8.6 Global warming Notes 2011 Ivy, Matteo || =8.6 GLOBAL WARMING (Ivy 1-5; Matteo 6-9)= 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 Notes 2011
 * Global warming **