This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Why is predicting future sea level change such a tricky task? What will be an ideal ... (Read 80 times)

Chloeellawright

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 588
Why is predicting future sea level change such a tricky task?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How are changes in climate predicted to affect natural ecosytems, including forests and insects?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

lauravaras

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 347
Answer to Question 1

It is difficult to predict future changes in sea level because the effects of global warming on the melting of continental glaciers are not well constrained. As the global climate warms, some ice sheets such as the one over Greenland should shrink, whereas others such as the one over East Antarctica may grow. The majority of the Earth's ice is locked up in these large ice sheets, so the impacts they could have on sea-level through glacial surges, growth, and melt-off are large.

Answer to Question 2

C3 plants, which cannot photosynthesize at low CO2 concentrations, are more sensitive to changes in CO2 concentrations. Therefore, increasing CO2 concentrations could lead to preferential growth of C3 plants (which include most trees). C4 plants, including tropical grasses, corn, and sugarcane, will not be greatly affected by higher CO2 levels. As the climate warms, some insects that are currently confined to warm, tropical climates (e.g., the Anopheles mosquito which carries malaria), may expand their ranges poleward. The potato leafhopper is a crop pest that may expand northward into the United States Midwest.




lauravaras

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 347

 

Did you know?

The first oncogene was discovered in 1970 and was termed SRC (pronounced "SARK").

Did you know?

Russia has the highest death rate from cardiovascular disease followed by the Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, and Poland.

Did you know?

Inotropic therapy does not have a role in the treatment of most heart failure patients. These drugs can make patients feel and function better but usually do not lengthen the predicted length of their lives.

Did you know?

The human body's pharmacokinetics are quite varied. Our hair holds onto drugs longer than our urine, blood, or saliva. For example, alcohol can be detected in the hair for up to 90 days after it was consumed. The same is true for marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamine, and nicotine.

Did you know?

Fewer than 10% of babies are born on their exact due dates, 50% are born within 1 week of the due date, and 90% are born within 2 weeks of the date.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library