Author Question: Since the planet receives a net of about 100 W/m2, would a change of 4 W/m2 be considered ... (Read 14 times)

Pineapplelove6 · **on:** Jul 28, 2018

Since the planet receives a net of about 100 W/m2, would a change of 4 W/m2 be considered substantial? Explain. (Chapter 17 shows that this is the size of the greenhouse effect.)

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Gases in equilibrium in the atmosphere are not subject to rapid (year-to-year) fluctuations.

What will be an ideal response?

orangecrush · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Yes, a 4 change is substantial on this scale. The Little Ice Age was due to a
change of about 1/300 = 0.3 in temperature.

Answer to Question 2

The changes are rather steady, as in the amount of oxygen or carbon dioxide.
Amounts change, but not by doubling within a short period.