Describe the thermohaline circulation and how it is associated with climate change

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Much attention has focused on the Atlantic portion of this system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). There is now convincing evidence to suggest that the MOC is not steady but instead makes rapid jumps from one mode of operation to another. Rates and locations of sinking water change abruptly, which in turn affect other aspects of the pattern. The new configuration lasts for some time before changing abruptly again. Numerous reorganizations of such ocean circulation have been found in a marine record running from about 60,000 years ago until about 10,000 years ago. In this way, changes in ocean circulation are implicated in abrupt climate jumps, at least during the last glacial period.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Which of the following would be categorized as a cultural ecosystem service of forests?

A. Recreation and scenic areas for tourism B. Timber and landscape materials C. Mushroom and plant harvests D. Soil stabilization and air purification

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Tropical cyclones are most likely to form in water that is:

(a) 12-18 degrees C (b) 26-29 degrees C (c) 38-42 degrees C (d) 71-76 degrees C

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Of the following, the most ecologically responsible way to dispose of sewage sludge is by

A. incineration. B. dumping it into the deep trenches of the ocean. C. using conventional landfills. D. treating it and using it as fertilizer. E. taking it to a landfill.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The only area in the continental United States that comes close to having a monsoonal climate is

A) Florida. B) Louisiana. C) east Texas coast. D) Arizona.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences