Climate and Earth Systems
Explore how Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and life interact to regulate climate. From the greenhouse effect to plate tectonics, Earth systems shape the conditions for life.
Learning Path
Plate Tectonics Poster
Visual guide to Earth's tectonic plates, plate boundaries, subduction zones, mid-ocean ridges, and how plate movement drives earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Open →Carbon Footprint Calculator
Estimate annual CO2 emissions from transportation, home energy, diet, and lifestyle. Pie chart breakdown, country comparison, and trees-to-offset metrics with presets.
Open →Greenhouse Effect and Climate Lab
Investigate Earth's energy budget and greenhouse effect. Adjust CO2 levels and albedo, measure temperature response, explore feedback loops, and compare emission scenarios.
Open →Key Concepts
The core facts about Earth's climate system.
- Greenhouse gases trap outgoing infrared radiation
- Albedo: fraction of sunlight reflected by surface
- Ocean absorbs 90% of excess heat
- Carbon cycle connects atmosphere, land, ocean
- Pre-industrial CO2 was ~280 ppm; now above 420 ppm
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Common Questions
How does the greenhouse effect work?
Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and warms Earth's surface. The surface re-emits longer-wavelength infrared radiation, which greenhouse gases such as CO2, water vapor, and methane absorb and re-radiate in all directions, trapping heat in the lower atmosphere.
What is albedo and why does it matter for climate?
Albedo is the fraction of incoming solar radiation reflected by a surface. Fresh snow has high albedo (~0.9) while open ocean has low albedo (~0.06). As ice melts due to warming, albedo decreases, causing more absorption and further warming in a positive feedback loop.