Table of Contents

GENERAL CONCEPTS

3.0 GENERAL CONCEPTS

 3.1. Earth systems

a. Earth's Systems and Dynamics

b. Global Ecosystems

   3.1.1 Understanding Climate

a. The Components of the Earth System

b. Interactions among Components (Cycles-Hydrological, ENSO,NAO)

c. Weather vs. Climate

d. Natural Variability of Climate (Ice Ages, Warm Period, Extremes)

e. The Natural Greenhouse Effect

f. Climate System Feedbacks

 3.2. Understanding the factors that Influence Climate

   3.2.1 The Sun and the global energy balance

a. Tilt of earth

b. Latitude

   3.2.2 Astronomical

   3.2.3 Weather Patterns

   3.2.4 Topography

   3.2.5 Proximity to Water Bodies

   3.2.6 Surface Properties of the Earth

3.3. Understanding Climate Change

   3.3.1 Natural Causes

   3.3.2 Anthropogenic (Human - Induced)

a. The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

b. Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

c. Land Use Change

d. Aerosols and Air Pollution