SC.912.E.7.9

Cite evidence that the ocean has had a significant influence on climate change by absorbing, storing, and moving heat,

carbon, and water.

• SC.D.1.4.3: CS The student knows that changes in Earth’s climate, geological activity, and life forms may be traced and compared. MC

• SC.912.E.7.9 Cite evidence that the ocean has had a significant influence on climate change by absorbing, storing, and moving heat, carbon, and water. S

• SC.D.2.4.1: AA (Also assesses G.2.4.4) The student understands the interconnectedness of the systems on Earth and the quality of life.

Earth Systems and Patterns

• The scientific theory of the evolution of Earth states that changes in our planet are driven by the flow of energy and the cycling of matter through dynamic interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, and the resources used to sustain human civilization on Earth.

Questions• Jerry conducted an experiment to determine whether salt added to a cup

of water affects its freezing point. Water samples were prepared containing equal quantities of water at the same temperature. Each sample received a different amount of salt and was placed into a freezer. The length of time it took for each sample to freeze was recorded. EFFECT OF SALT ON THE FREEZING POINT OF WATER Amount of Salt Added Freezing Time in grams (g) in minutes (min) 0 48 1.25 68 2.50 75 3.70 88 5.0 (Did not freeze during the time of experiment)

• Which conclusion correctly interprets the information from Jerry’s table? • A. A conclusion cannot be made because the last sample did not freeze. • B. Doubling the salt doubled the time needed for the samples to freeze. • C. An increase in the amount of salt lowered the time needed for the

samples to freeze. • D. An increase in the amount of salt increased the time needed for the

samples to freeze.

• Stephen learned that methane (CH4) absorbs about 25 times more infrared radiation13 than carbon dioxide (CO2). He knew that ice core data could give information about historic atmospheric changes. A table showing ice core data from Antarctica is shown below.

• METHANE DATA FROM DE08, DE08-2, ANDDSS ICE CORES IN ANTARCTICAYear (A.D.)

• Concentration of CH4 mixed with air in ice core (ppm) Mean ice depth (meters)

• 1008 0.67 534 • 1501 0.69 337 • 1694 0.68 238 • 1798 0.70 180 • 1847 0.76 152 • 1931 1.01 100 • 1980 1.48 81

Earth has warmed by about 1ºF over the past 100 years. But why? And how? Well, scientists are not exactly sure. But lets explore what the ocean may be doing for that……

Factors That Affect Climate

Factors That Affect Climate

Water Bodies• Large bodies of water such as lakes and oceans

have an important effect on the temperature of an area because the temperature of the water body influences the temperature of the air above it.

Atmospheric Circulation• Global winds are another factor that influences

climate because they distribute heat and moisture around Earth.

Natural Processes That Change Climates

Climate Changes

Ocean Circulation• Changes in ocean circulation also can result in short-term climate

fluctuations.

Ocean Surface Currents

How do ocean currentsaffect climate?

Warm Currents: warmer climateCold Currents: cooler climate

Day 2

Fill in worksheet as you review powerpoint

Ice Ages are cyclic.

The last one occurred ~12,000 years ago

The exact cause of what triggers an ice age

is not known

El Niño

A warming of thePacific Ocean.

Winters:West = Stormy

South = Cold, wetNortheast = warmer

El Niño

A warming of thePacific Ocean.

Winters:West = Stormy

South = Cold, wetNortheast = warmer

La NiñaA cooling of the Pacific Ocean.

Dry in southeast. Cool, wet in northwest.

La NiñaA cooling of the Pacific Ocean.

Dry in southeast. Cool, wet in northwest.

Average global temperatures are increasing.

Glaciers are melting.Ocean levels are rising.

Warming is natural.

Humans are speeding up the process through increased levels of

carbon dioxide (CO2)

Mountain Glaciers

Day 3

Create a flowchart to to show movement of water from the “Conveyor Belt” reading pg 453 Prentice Hall

DAY 4

• Assessment