ATM 103 Lecture 22: Nov 29
6 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
El nino is a gradual warming of eastern pacific waters in december or january. La nina is the opposite of el nino and refers to colder-than-normal ocean temperatures. Broader impacts of el nino, known as teleconnections: When one or more component of climate system is altered, scientists must consider many possible outcomes. The effects of positive-feedback mechanisms reinforce the initial change. Negative-feedback mechanisms produce results that are just the opposite of the initial change. The saturation vapor pressure is the equilibrium vapor pressure, where water vapor is formed (through evaporation) and removed (via condensation) at the same rate. And is dependent on the temperature of the water/air. Water molecules are also a type of greenhouse gas. Short answer: they heat the atmosphere through their interaction of incoming and outgoing radiation! Computer models of climate: important yet imperfect tools. Mathematical models are simplified versions of the real climate. Climate models can be used to understand the past!
