Week 13: Climate Background Information

1. What did you do in lab today?

In lab, we analyzed data to determine how climate change is affecting the state of Iowa. Our group then came up with a 300 word summary of our findings to share with the class. Each group shared their summary of the data with the rest of the class. Our summary can be found below. 

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.

2. What was the big question? 

What type of data do we have that supports that climate change is happening? What questions did you derive from the data shared? What answers did you find?

3. What did you learn in Thursday's discussion?

In lecture, I learned the acronym LOWER. This acronym helps us to understand why some regions have a hot or cold planet. LOWER stands for latitude, Ocean currents, Wind & air masses, Elevation, and Relief. Ocean current impact temperature because the temperature of the current affects the air that is passing over it.  Elevation plays a role because, typically, the higher you get the cooler it gets. Relief is precipitation that is created when air masses rise to cross a mountain barrier. The ascending air cools and the descending air warms. 

I learned that water can lead to surrounding areas being cooled in the summer and heated in the winter.

Some evidence of climate change includes glacier retreat. In Alaska, glaciers are turning into lakes. This is a common theme around the world. This dramatically affects the wildlife and ecosystems in these areas. When glaciers melt, the water supply is decreased significantly. 

I learned that we do not need to worry about water in America because of Lake Superior. This is a fresh water source that would take a long time to deplete. 

We also learned that because of ice melting on the planet, our sea levels are rising. 

Pressbook Chapter 22

1. What did you learn?

I learned that the atmosphere plays a big role in regulating temperature, weather, and climate. I learned that the Earth's atmosphere is thin enough to let the right amount of heat through for a livable temperature, but think enough to block out the radiation from the sun that would be harmful to us. 

2. What was most helpful?

I liked the image that showed the greenhouse effect and how it traps heat in the Earth. It was helpful to see the moving diagram to see how where the heat is going. 

3. What do you need more information on?

I would like more information on the Earth's albedo. I am curious about what will happen as the Earth's albedo continues to decrease.

What questions, concerns, and/or comments do you have?

If the Earth is getting hotter from greenhouse gasses and the atmosphere is like a blanket trapping the heat in, how can we release some of that heat or cool down the Earth?