Earth's Energy Budget (Week 3) - Post 3


Earth's Energy Budget - Post 3

          Each week I learn more and more about climate and atmospheric science, as well as I gain a deeper understanding of climate systems. When I began this course I knew climate change was real, however it was only because I'd heard from people who said that most scientists' said it was real. It has always been very important that I see the facts and reasoning behind something before I except it as law; that is why it wasn't until I finished with this weeks' learning that I realized, for myself, just how real climate change is. I know now there is literally no way to scientifically deny climate change, and I have the knowledge to back that up. I know the intricate environmental workings that make global climate change happen, and I could not be more thrilled about it. I absolutely love the subject matter in this course, and I am genuinely excited about what I will continue to learn each week.
          This week was very straight forward with respect to the science. I do not have many questions as most of the information provided was factual evidence and scientific basics, like the electromagnetic spectrum. If I had to question something however, it would be the effect of clouds. The information this week claims that there is not enough evidence to fully determine the effect cloud cover has on the global climate, as it has both warming and cooling effects. However, since this class was done a couple years ago, I wonder if there is more data out there now that can clarify the cloud cover problem?

Comments

  1. Ms. DunleyFebruary 22, 2018 at 10:15 AM

    I love the cloud cover question. Would cloud cover help or hurt us more?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. neve stegerFebruary 22, 2018 at 10:26 AM

      The cloud cover in the atmosphere is made up of water vapor, and water vapor is a greenhouse gas. The water vapor in the form of an aerosol absorbs heat and re-emits it just like carbon dioxide, contributing to warming. However, the water vapor, in the form of clouds, also reflects solar heat and prevents it from entering the atmosphere. Because water vapor in the atmosphere contributes to both warming and cooling, scientists have a hard time determining which one it contributes more too.

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