Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 11

How are computer models employed in climate change research? Describe several scenarios for 21 st-century climate change.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Computer models in climate change research are mathematical simulations used to predict climate behavior. Based on these models, scenarios for 21st-century climate change include varying levels of warming, ranging from severe increases in climate and weather extremes in a high-emission scenario, to slower climate change and moderate warming in a low-emission scenario. Please refer to the detailed step-by-step solution for more information.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Computer Models in Climate Change Research

Climate change research uses computer models, which are mathematical representations of the Earth's climate system. Scientists input data about the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and ice into these models in order to simulate and predict climate behavior. This helps us understand the potential effects of rising greenhouse gas levels, and evaluate solutions.
02

Enumerating Several Scenarios for 21st Century Climate Change

Different scenarios for climate change in the 21st century projects various degrees of warming. Each scenario is based on a range of possible greenhouse gas concentration trajectories. For example, in a high emission scenario, there could be severe and widespread impacts on societies and ecosystems, including profound increases in weather and climate extremes, shifting climate zones, and disruptions to ecosystems. In a low-emission scenario, the rate of climate change could be slowed and gradually stabilized, but some degree of warming and sea-level rise would still occur.
03

Describing Scenarios in Detail

Describe each scenario in detail. For instance, discuss how much warmer the planet could get under each scenario, and how this might affect everything from sea levels to agriculture to disease patterns. Also discuss the uncertainty associated with each scenario, and note that while we cannot predict the exact outcomes, the risk of severe impacts increases with higher levels of warming.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Trace the political history of the international efforts to address global climate change. What is the "climate emissions gap"?

What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation? How does it work? What are the impacts of the El Niño/ La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

What evidence do global land and ocean temperatures provide for a warming Earth?

What are the important characteristics of the troposphere? Of the stratosphere?

What has been discovered about global climate trends in the past? How do contemporary trends relate to past records?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Pollution

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation

Biological Resources

Read Explanation

Physical Environment

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Sustainability

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free