Creating a diagram to illustrate the effects of increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on Earth's energy flow involves understanding how CO2 interacts with energy from the sun and the Earth's thermal radiation. Here’s how to label the diagram with relevant indicators:
Diagram Outline
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Energy Input from the Sun:
- Label: “Incoming Solar Radiation" (this is the energy that the Earth receives from the sun).
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Absorption of Energy:
- Label: “Earth’s Surface absorbs solar energy" (the Earth absorbs some of the incoming solar radiation).
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Re-radiation of Energy:
- Label: “Infrared Radiation” (after absorbing energy, the Earth re-radiates the energy back into space in the form of infrared radiation).
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Role of Carbon Dioxide:
- Arrow Going Up (Increased Absorption of Infrared Radiation):
- Label: "Increased CO2 levels trap more heat" (as CO2 increases, it absorbs more of the infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space).
- Arrow Going Down (Less Heat Escaping to Space):
- Label: "Less infrared energy escapes to space" (higher concentrations of CO2 limit the amount of heat radiated back into space).
- Arrow Going Up (Increased Absorption of Infrared Radiation):
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Effects on Indicators:
- As CO2 increases, several indicators change:
- Water Vapor: With more heat, the atmosphere holds more water vapor, which further intensifies the greenhouse effect.
- Glaciers and Ice Sheets: Increased temperatures lead to melting ice, contributing to rising sea levels.
- Sea Level: As ice melts and ocean water warms (expands), sea levels rise.
- Ocean Heat Content: Increased greenhouse gases result in more heat being stored in the oceans.
- Temperature Over Land: Higher CO2 levels contribute to rising temperatures on land.
- Sea Ice: Higher atmospheric and ocean temperatures reduce sea ice extent.
- As CO2 increases, several indicators change:
Additional Notes:
- Ensure you have directional arrows showing the flow of energy—specifically, the solar energy entering the system, the energy absorbed by the Earth's surface, and the infrared energy re-radiated back toward space.
- Add a note about the greenhouse effect, discussing how increasing CO2 concentrations enhance this process, leading to further warming and climate change.
By organizing the information in a clear, labeled diagram, students can visually understand the interconnectedness of increased carbon dioxide levels and changes in Earth's energy flow as well as their broader impacts on the environment.