Week 14: Global Climate Change

 What did you learn in the lab section?

In our lab section this week, we looked at the Phet Simulation to demonstrate the rates of greenhouse gases and carbon in our atmosphere. It showed how much carbon is compared to sunlight and the photons that come into our atmosphere. We also watched a video on the science of climate, which talked about the effects of carbon over time and gave data from many years ago compared to today. We also learned about infrared light and how it is not visible to humans but does affect greenhouse gases because the infrared light photons hit the greenhouse gas photons and make them vibrate, which is what generates the heat in our atmosphere. 

What did you learn in the discussion?

-Something I learned in the discussion section this week was more about the albedo effect. The reactivity of a surface which is how much radiation is reflected vs how much is absorbed. I learned that the color has a major influence on albedo. A high albedo means something is more reflective, and a low albedo means it is less reflective and will absorb more radiation. I learned that when an albedo=1, it completely reflects radiation. When albedo =0, then it completely absorbs radiation.

What did you learn in the press book reading?

In the press book reading, I learned what a glacier retreat is. I learned that climate change has led to warmer temperatures overall. This means that glaciers melt at a faster rate than snow falls to rebuild their mass. Melting glaciers affect an area's ecosystem because different plants and animals will not be able to survive in a changing landscape. 

What do you need more information on in the press book reading?

I need more information on coral reefs. I want to know more about how climate change affects them and how they have died worldwide in the last three decades. I want to understand how greenhouse gases are impacting and changing the ocean. But I don't know exactly how the greenhouse gases are making the ocean change. 

Questions

-A question that I have about the press book reading for this week is: When will the glaciers be totally gone and melted? Would that happen?