1. Climate Dynamics 11:670:461 Alan Robock robock@envsci.rutgers.edu
Lecture 2, 9/8/14
Climate Dynamics 11:670:461
Alan Robock
Department of Environmental Sciences
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey USA

2. But, what is a “greenhouse gas” anyway?
Nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), and argon (Ar) make up for 99% of the atmosphere, but are not greenhouse gases.
Water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are greenhouse gases.
A greenhouse gas absorbs infrared radiation, which creates molecular vibration and bending.
Collisions transfer energy to heat the surrounding gas.
Water vapor (H2O) vibration modes

3. Produced by Gary Strand, NCAR
CCSM Climate “Forecasts”
Produced by Gary Strand, NCAR
(°C)
(°C)

4. IPCC AR4, Chapter 1
Fig. 1.1

5. Bretherton Diagram
Fig. 1.2

6. Bretherton Diagram
Fig. 1.2

10. Tropospheric aerosols mask warming (global dimming)
Greenhouse gases dominate
Recovery from volcanic eruptions dominates

11. Desire for improved well-being
Consumption of goods and services
Impacts on humans and ecosystems
SUFFERING
CONSERVATION
Consumption of energy
EFFICIENCY
ADAPTATION
Climate change
SOLAR RADIATION MANAGEMENT
CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL
LOW-CARBON ENERGY
CO2 emissions
CO2 in the atmosphere
After Ken Caldeira

12. Annual average surface air pressure. Interval 50 mb.
Fig. 2.1

13. Annual average surface air pressure. Interval 50 mb.
Fig. 2.1

14. Fig. 2.2

15. Annual mean 900 mb geopotential height (m)
Fig. 2.3

16. Annual mean 900 mb geopotential height (m)
Fig. 2.3

17. Seasonal 900 mb geopotential height (m)
Fig. 2.4