Frontiers in Earth Science Global Climate Change

2. Frontiers in Earth Science

2.1 Introduction to Earth System and Biomes

• Define and describe major Earth systems and their interactions.
• Identify different types of biomes and the factors influencing their distribution.
• Recognize the role of solar energy in climate systems and ecosystem dynamics.

2.2 Atmosphere, Circulation, and Ocean Dynamics

• Differentiate between weather and climate.
• Describe the vertical structure of the atmosphere and circulation patterns.
• Understand the relationship between ocean currents and wind systems.

2.3 Climate History and Sea Level Change

• Identify natural drivers of climate change including orbital variation and tectonics.
• Analyze paleoclimate evidence from ice cores, sediment layers, and fossil records.
• Interpret the relationship between CO₂, temperature, and sea-level changes over time.

2.4 Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming

• Understand the role of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s energy balance.
• Compare greenhouse gases based on concentration, lifetime, and warming potential.
• Identify major human sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

2.5 Cryosphere Change and Sea-Level Rise

• Differentiate between sea ice, glaciers, ice shelves, and ice sheets.
• Describe mechanisms of ice loss and their contribution to sea-level rise.
• Evaluate environmental and societal impacts of melting ice and ocean changes.