Methods 2: Week 13 Blog

     1.What did you do in lab today?

In the lab, we looked at the data that was presented to us in the slides and then wrote a paragraph to describe what conclusion we could draw from it. Some of our big conclusions were that the average temperature is getting warmer along with the number of warm days that we have in general. This is having many effects, including a decrease in the number of days that we have with frost, snow, and cooler days in general. Additionally, due to the heat, more water is being absorbed into the atmosphere, which causes us to experience strong weather, like rain showers. Farmers experience longer growing seasons, and the spring and summer get wetter while the fall is dryer. This affects life too because plants are blossoming earlier due to the warmer temperatures tricking them, and animals are needing to relocate because the higher temperatures are affecting the availability of the resources that they are used to and need. 

 

       2.What was the big question?

What type of data do we have to conclude that climate change is occurring? 

        3.What did you learn in Thursday’s discussion?

In lecture we talked about climate change. There is a lot of controversy around climate change due to the contrast in opinions and information that you can find online. While many scientists believe in climate change, some are paid off to support false information that says the opposite. However, the articles and data supporting climate change largely outweigh the deniers. Over 99.9%. This is crazy since there seems to be a 50/50 divide among the public on this topic. Global warming was predicted in 1896. Lower is an acryonom to help us discuss why some regions have a hot or cold climate. L = Lattidue, O= Ocean Currents W= wind and air mass, E= elevation; r= relief. Water is a source of heat and coolness; in the summer, it cools, and in the winter, it heats. Evidence of climate change includes the retreat of glaciers as they melt. As the glaciers melt, the water goes into the oceans and causes sea- levels to rise. In order to combat this, the Paris Agreement, which is an international treaty on climate change, was created with the goal of preventing the temperature from rising 2 degrees Celsius so we can start reducing the effects of climate change. 

2. Read the online textbook, Links to an external site.

       1.What did you learn?

I learned about the difference between climate and weather in this chapter. Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the average weather over a longer period of time. Like 30 years. I also learned about some of the factors that determine a region's climate (LOWER). L-closer to the equator equals warmer weather; O,- the temperature of the ocean currents impacts air temperature, W- Wind blows air masses that affect the weather of the area they are in; elevation- higher= cooler; relief- air mass cools and expands after topography. Additionally, the chapter talked about how climate change is impacting Iowa, leading to more extreme weather events, including floods and droughts. This has an impact on the state's agriculture routines. 

       2.What was most helpful?

        I liked that the chapter provided examples specifically related to Iowa, which I can relate to a lot since I have lived here my whole life. Understanding how climate change impacts Iowa specifically, including its effects on agriculture, makes it very easy to follow for me. Additionally, it helps me understand why immediate action is needed in our own community. 

 

       3.What do you need more information on?

        I think it would be interesting to discuss more specific actions that we can take to help at the local level. Additionally, I would like to learn more about how more native plant and animal species are being impacted. 

3.What questions, concerns, and/or comments do you have?

No questions, comments or concepts at this time.