Climate Change Data

The big question addressed in the lab: 

What type of data do we have that supports that climate change is happening?

A description of what you did in the lab: 

In the provided data, we have graphs showing that temperature, precipitation, snowfall, habitat, and frost are changing drastically. Our question is why is the fall average precipitation decreasing when the precipitation in the rest of the seasons is increasing? From the data, we were able to find out more about what we can expect from climate change. Over the past century, Iowa’s average number of hot days has increased and is projected to be 85 days between 2070-2099. According to Osaka Prefecture University, the heat is causing the cherry blossom peak bloom day to be about a month earlier. The annual state-wide average number of frost-free days is also something that is increasing. Between 1950 and 2005, it increased from about 158 days to about 172 days. As far as precipitation goes, the total annual state-wide average precipitation from 1945 to 2008 increased by 10 inches. A clear trend we have seen in the United States is an increase in frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation. The amount of years with 40 or more inches of precipitation is also increasing. From about 1873-1950, there were only 2 years with 40 or more inches, and from about 1951-2008, there were 9 years with 40 or more inches. That is more than 4 times the amount from the earlier years! Over the last century Iowa has had a 37% increase in frequency of days with precipitation over 4 inches. In the future we will have to adapt to a longer growing season, wetter springs and summers, more summer precipitation, higher humidity, and drier autumns. Because of this, we will not be able to harvest the same crops and we will not have the same supply. Our supply will be lower due to a longer growing time. Ted, thank you for coming to our Ted talk.

A description of what you learned in Thursday's lecture.

We learned about global warming. In more specifics, we learned the acronym LOWER near water, latitude, ocean currents, wind and air masses, elevation, relief, and near water. One way we know climate change is happening is because of glaciers. Glaciers are retreating which makes it appear as if it is walking backwards but really the top of the glacier is melting off. 

Answer questions about the weekly textbook reading:

-What did you learn?

Something I learned was the Albedo effect. This is the amount of energy that is reflected from a surface. Dark surfaces tend to have low albedo and light surfaces typically have high albedo. 

-What was most helpful?

The most helpful was learning about PPM or parts per million. This is how carbon dioxide is measured. I never knew this and I think it is a helpful thing to know. 

-What do you need more information on?

I think I need more information on greenhouse gases. I learned about the different ones but I would like to know how each one affects the planet. 

What questions/concerns/comments do you have?

If the greenhouse effect is a natural process how come it is something that is talked negatively about when it comes to climate change and global warming?