Introduction

Climate System

Causes of Climate Change

Empirical Study of Climate

Climate Modelling

Palaeoclimatic Change

Contemporary Climate Change

Epilogue
Appendix
References

Carbon dioxide (CO2), the most important of these minor gases, is involved in a complex global cycle (see section 6.4.1). It is released from the interior of the Earth via volcanic eruptions, and by respiration, soil processes, combustion of carbon compounds and oceanic evaporation. Conversely, it is dissolved in the oceans and consumed during plant photosynthesis. Currently, there are 359 parts per million by volume (ppmv) of CO2 in the atmosphere (Schimel et al., 1995), a concentration which is continuing to rise due to anthropogenic (man-made) emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and forests. The implications of this are discussed in chapter 6.

The Atmosphere
 -Composition
  ·Carbon dioxide
  ·Methane
  ·Nitrous oxide
  ·Ozone
  ·Chlorofluorocarbons
  ·Other Trace Gases
  ·Aerosols
 -Vertical Structure
 -Radiation Laws
 -Energy Budget
 -Energy Transfers
 -Summary

The Climate System
 -Oceans
 -Cryosphere
 -Biosphere
 -Geosphere