If the earth's orbit around the Sun were more elliptical than now ...

[ss2343]

If the earth's orbit around the Sun were more elliptical than now with the same inclination angle
 
  A) the northern hemisphere would be warmer.
  B) the southern hemisphere would be about the same in yearly temperature.
  C) storms in both hemispheres would be stronger.
  D) there would be no change because the Sun's energy is constant.

Question 2

Describe the thermohaline circulation and how it is associated with climate change.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[juwms]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Much attention has focused on the Atlantic portion of this system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). There is now convincing evidence to suggest that the MOC is not steady but instead makes rapid jumps from one mode of operation to another. Rates and locations of sinking water change abruptly, which in turn affect other aspects of the pattern. The new configuration lasts for some time before changing abruptly again. Numerous reorganizations of such ocean circulation have been found in a marine record running from about 60,000 years ago until about 10,000 years ago. In this way, changes in ocean circulation are implicated in abrupt climate jumps, at least during the last glacial period.