Question

Short-term (up to 100,000 years) variations in climate are likely controlled by the amount of solar radiation reaching Earth. variability in the atmosphere, ocean currents, and the position of the continents Classify the phenomena as promoting glaciation or hindering glaciation

1. Decrease in sunspot activity
2. Decrease in albedo
3. Moon closer to earth's orbit
4. Increase in albedo
5. Decrease in axial til
6. Increase in sunspot activity
7. Continents located near the poles
8. Continents located sway from the polos
9. Increase in axial til
10. Moon farther from earth's orbit

Answer 1

Short-term variations in climate can be promoted or hindered by factors such as changes in solar activity, albedo, the position of continents, and the proximity of the Moon. Decreased sunspot activity, continents located near the poles, and an increase in albedo can promote glaciation, while increased sunspot activity, continents located away from the poles, and a decrease in albedo can hinder glaciation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Promoting Glaciation:

1. Decrease in sunspot activity: A decrease in sunspot activity is associated with a reduction in solar radiation reaching Earth, which can lead to cooler temperatures and promote glaciation.
2. Decrease in albedo: Albedo refers to the reflectivity of Earth's surface. A decrease in albedo means that less sunlight is reflected back into space, resulting in more solar radiation being absorbed by the Earth's surface. This can lead to warmer temperatures and hinder glaciation.
3. Continents located near the poles: When continents are located near the poles, they can increase the likelihood of glaciation by providing landmasses for ice to accumulate and form glaciers.

Hindering Glaciation:

1. Moon closer to Earth's orbit: When the Moon is closer to Earth's orbit, it can cause tidal forces that lead to increased mixing of ocean waters. This mixing can hinder glaciation by preventing the formation of stable ice sheets.
2. Increase in albedo: An increase in albedo means that more sunlight is reflected back into space, reducing the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth's surface. This can lead to cooler temperatures and promote glaciation.
3. Decrease in axial tilt: Axial tilt refers to the inclination of Earth's axis relative to its orbital plane. A decrease in axial tilt can result in less seasonal variation in solar radiation, leading to cooler temperatures and promoting glaciation.
4. Continents located away from the poles: When continents are located away from the poles, they can hinder glaciation by limiting the availability of landmasses for ice to accumulate and form glaciers.
5. Moon farther from Earth's orbit: When the Moon is farther from Earth's orbit, it can cause weaker tidal forces, resulting in less mixing of ocean waters. This reduced mixing can promote glaciation by allowing the formation of stable ice sheets.