Variation in solar output

1. Explain how does the varying amount of solar output affect global warming? [3]

a)    Magnetic field –  An increase in magnetic activity results in an increase in solar radiation. 

b)    Sunspots – When there are more sunspots, solar activity is high as these areas radiate more energy.

c)     Temperature – Temperatures increases when there is higher solar activity and Temperature decreases when there is lower solar activity.

Volcanic eruptions

2. Explain how does volcanic eruption affects global temperatures? [4]

a)    Gases released – During an eruption, large volumes of carbon dioxide, water vapour, sulphur dioxide, dust and ask are released into the atmosphere.

b)    Global dimming – These gases mix with dust and ash and reflect the solar energy back into space, which results in global dimming

c)     Effect on temperature - Global dimming reduces the amount of sunlight from reaching the earth's surface and temporarily lowers the earth temperature for months or years.

d)    Examples - In 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines released 17 tonnes of sulphur dioxide and lower the temperatures for 2 years in some locations.

Level Descriptor Questions (LDQ) Format

Volcanic eruptions are the main cause of global climate change. Do you agree? [8]

Introduction

-  I disagree to a large extent that volcanic eruptions are the main cause of global climate change.

Point - Explain how volcanic eruption affects climate.	Although volcanic eruptions releases huge amount of gases that results in global dimming. However this has a temporary effect on the global temperature.
Elaborate - Elaborate on gases released and global dimming.	A large portion of sulphur dioxide are being released during eruptions, and it mixes with dust and ash which results in global dimming as the sunlight is being blocked and reduces the global temperatures.
Examples - Country - Year of eruption - Volcano name	This occured in Mt Pinatubo in Philippines during 1991. The eruption lowered the global temperatures temporarily for two years in some locations.
Limitations - Explain that variations in solar output also affect climate change.	The variation in the amount of solar output also affects the climate change. When there is higher solar activity such as sunspots, temperature is higher. When the solar activity is lower the global temperature decreases.

In conclusion, volcanic eruptions only affects the global climate changes for a temporary period. When the dust and ash settles, the cooling effect does not impact the climate in the long run. Furthermore, solar radiation and human activities may also affect global climate changes.