1. Energy Transfer in the Climate System

2. What is a system?
A group of interdependent parts that work together to form a single functioning whole.
In an open system, energy and matter cross the system’s boundary.
In a closed system, energy only crosses the system’s boundary.
Earth behaves like a closed system.

3. Feedback Loops
Process in which part of a system’s output is returned, or fed back, to the input.

4. Positive Feedback Loop
Acts to increase the effects of the interacting parts, leading to larger and larger changes.

5. Negative Feedback Loop
Decreases the effects of the interacting parts and helps to maintain a system’s equilibrium.
Example:
see pg. 313 – Global Warming

6. Electromagnetic Radiation
Energy that travels as waves that move outward in all directions from a source.
Includes infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, radio waves, X-rays, gamma rays, and visible light.

7. Types of Energy Transfer
Radiation
Transfer of thermal energy / heat as electromagnetic radiation
Conduction
Transfer of thermal energy from hot to cold surface
Convection
Transfer of energy by highly energized molecules moving from one place to another (in liquids and gases only)

8. Radiation, Conduction & Convection

9. Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere (p. 315)

10. Energy Transfer in the Ocean
Thermohaline Circulation
Three-dimensional pattern of ocean circulation driven by wind, heat, and salinity (salt levels) that is an important component of the ocean-atmosphere climate system.

12. El Nino & La Nina
National Geographic insert P

13. El Nino vs. La Nina
Normal trade winds near equator blow to the west. Thus:
warm surface water piles up in west Pacific
cold nutrient-rich water wells up in the east Pacific.
Rainfall in west Pacific
El Niño occurs when trade winds are slackened or reversed
warm surface waters remain in East Pacific.
Disaster for sea life who depend on nutrient upwelling and on animals that feed on them.
Drought in Australia and Indonesia
Roots drown for land plants and animals suffer in the East Pacific because of lots of rain (too much!-landslides common).
Worldwide climatic ramifications

14. La Nina Year (normal)

15. El Nino Year

16. Earth’s Energy Budget
Description of total energy exchange within a system.
Summary of how energy from the Sun enters, moves through, and leaves the Earth system.

18. Earth’s Albedo

19. Work:
P. 314 #1-4
P. 317 #5-8
P. 322 #1-8