Lesson 3 – Natural Causes of Climate Change and Global Dimming

Aim: to explain how the Earth’s climate can change because of natural factors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZDWGwFWLTw

Global Dimming Video

Global dimming is the widespread observation in the reduction in _____sunlight______ at the surface of the Earth
particularly in cloud free regions (such as the Gulf)

Some areas show global dimming trends where other areas are getting brighter. Global dimming is taking place in
areas with __________________ such as _______________. Global brightening is taking place in areas where
pollution levels are falling

We know it is happening because of long records which measure the sunlight received at the surface.

_________________ are the main cause of dimming and brightening. Pollution is the main cause of global dimming.

Global dimming and warming are linked due to increases in ___________ __________

High pollution, greenhouse gasses, aerosol particles, sunlight, China, Europe

The Volcanic Eruption Theory
How does this theory work?
Big volcanic eruptions can change the Earth’s climate.
Small eruptions have no effect – it needs to be very
large and very explosive! A volcanic eruption
produces ash and sulphur dioxide gas which rise into
the earth’s stratosphere (its atmosphere) This forms
a blanket of ash and gas which prevents sunlight
reaching the Earth’s surface. Instead the sunlight is
reflected off the ash and gas back into space. This
cools the planet and lowers the temperature for a
few years depending on the scale of volcanic
eruption.
Most: An example of this theory in action:
The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the
Philippines caused significant global dimming,
estimated to have cooled the Earth by about 0.5°C
for several years. This temporary cooling effect
demonstrates the theory's potential impact.
The Sunspot Theory
How does this theory work?
These are ‘black areas’ or spots on the surface of the
sun, sometimes the sun will have many spots other
times they disappear. They tell us if the sun is more
active than usual; lots of spots mean more solar
energy is being fired out by the sun towards Earth and
the hotter the Climate on Earth will be. Sunspots tend
to operate on an 11 year cycle.
Most: An example of this theory in action:
he ‘Little ice age’ between 1600 and 1820 may have
been caused by changes in sunspot activity.
Temperatures around the Earth were 1-2 degrees
cooler suggesting that there was less activity from the
sun during this time.
The Orbital Theory
a. Circular/elliptical orbit
b. Wobble
c. Axial Tilt
Orbital Changes:
Axial Tilt:
Earth’s orbit sometimes changes from
circular to elliptical this means that the
Earth can travel closer to the sun
(increase in temperatures) or further
away (decrease in temperatures) This
process happens over a very long time –
100,000 years!
Wobbles on Axis:
Another cause is that the Earth can tilt
on its axis moving us closer (increase in
temperature) to the sun or further
away (cooler temperatures) This
process also takes a long time – 41,000
years.
How does this impact on the Earth’s
climate?
A final way in which temperatures on
Earth can change is the Earth wobbling
on its axis, a bit like a spinning top. The
wobbling axis can mean the Earth is
closer or further away from the sun –
however this also takes a long time.
26,000 years.
Stratosphere Variation Orbit
Cloud of debris Solar output Circular/Elliptical
Reflect Dark Axial tilt
Solar radiation Active 1 degree movement
Sulphur dioxide Wobble
Infrared Milankovtich Cycle

Challenge Task:
2) Which of the
Key Words natural causes have
the most profound
effect on the earth’s
 Fluctuation climate and why?
 7-10 year cycle
 Variation
 Increase
 Decrease
Time periods

Graph to show yearly average sunspots from 1610-2010

1)What would the Earth’s Climate have been like in the period 1650-1700?

2) How would you describe the pattern of sunspots from 1750 to the present day? (use words above of the page to help you)