Vocabulary the greenhouse effect

The Earth’s climate is dynamic and characterised by trends, aberrations and quasi-periodic oscillations varying over a broad range of time-scales [1], which are governed by external (extraterrestrial systems) and/or internal(ocean, atmosphere and land system). Trends are largely controlled by plate tectonics, and thus to change gradually on million year time scale. Aberrations occur when the certain thresholds are passed and are manifested in the geological record as the unusual rapid (less than a few thousands of years) or extreme change in climate. The quasi-periodic oscillations are mostly astronomically paced; they are driven by astronomical perturbations that affect the earth’s orbit around the sun and the orientation of earth’s rotation axis with respect to its orbital plane. These perturbations are described by the three main astronomical cycles: eccentricity, precession and obliquity, which together determine the spatial and seasonal pattern of insolation received by the earth [2], eventually resulting in climatic oscillations of ten to hundreds of thousands of year [3].Sun being the main source of energy for the earth system controls the climate of it. Variation in solar activity and cosmic ray intensity has direct influence over climatic features such as cloudiness, temperature and rainfall [4]. Volcanic eruptions also force all elements of the climatic systems up to a varying degree but producing long term climatic signals in the ocean. The cumulative volcanic cooling effect at present offsets about one third of anthropogenic warming [5].Other than these causes paleoclimatologists also relates the past climate changes with movement of solar system[6], interplanetary dusts and influence of asteroids[7].However the recent variability in climate what earth is experiencing is unlikely due to any of the individual above factors rather it is due to the compound effect of complex interactions of all the natural as well as anthropogenic forcings. References: 1. J. C. Zachos, M. Pagani, L. Sloan, E. Thomas, K. Billups, Science 292 (2001) 686-693. 2. G. Kukla, Nature (London) 253, 600 (1975). 3. J. D. Hays, J. Imbrie, N. J. Shackleton, Science 194 (1876) 1121-1132. 4. N. Marsh, H. Swensmark, Space Sci. Rev. 94 (2000) 215-230. 5. T. L. Delworth, V. Ramaswamy, G. L. Stenchikov, Geophys. Res. Lett. 32 (2005) L24709. 6. K. Fuhrer, E. W. Wolf, S. J. Johnsen, J. Geophys. Res. 104(D24) (1999) 31043-31052 7. P. Hut, W. Alvarez, W. P. Elder, T. Hansen, E. G. Kauffman, G. Keller, E. M. Shoemaker & P. R. Weissman, Nature Vol. 329, 10 September, 1987

The document discusses microclimates, specifically focusing on upland regions, coastal regions, and forests. It provides details on how factors like elevation, proximity to bodies of water, and vegetation influence temperature, precipitation, wind, and other climate variables at small, localized scales compared to broader regional climates. Examples are given comparing the climates of locations in Devon, England to illustrate temperature, rainfall, and sunshine differences between an upland site and two coastal sites only 20 miles apart.

Microclimates are local weather patterns that can differ from the overall climate of an area due to factors like altitude, exposure, shelter, vegetation, urban development, and proximity to water or coasts. Urban microclimates are affected by concrete, tarmac, tall buildings, and industry which can raise temperatures. Coastal microclimates see a breeze from the cooler sea move inland in summer to fill the low pressure area caused by warmer land temperatures rising. Forest microclimates are typically warmer at edges but colder and less windy deeper in due to shelter from trees.

The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide and methane, trap energy from the sun and cause the planet to experience a rise in temperature. The document discusses the greenhouse effect as a short explanation and emphasizes that the Earth is a "Goldilocks planet" with temperatures that are just right for life, so we must ensure conditions remain suitable.

Global warming is unequivocal according to climate scientists. The atmosphere is trapping rising levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which is warming the planet. Some effects of climate change include more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers and ice sheets. While the climate naturally fluctuates, human activity like burning fossil fuels is the main driver of current warming trends according to the IPCC.

Global warming is the increase in temperature of Earth's surface, air, and oceans, primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. If emissions continue at their current rate, global temperatures are projected to rise 1.1 to 6.4°C by 2100, causing sea levels to rise and changes in weather patterns, agriculture, and ocean acidification. While the scientific consensus is that global warming poses risks, there is ongoing public and political debate around the appropriate policy response to address climate change.