How does the lithosphere affect climate change?The climatic system can be divided into five main components: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, the cryosphere and the biosphere.
All these physical systems operate at different time and spatial scales. The lithosphere, that makes the uppermost, rigid layer of the earth, is formed by a few dozens of tectonic plates that move laterally while resting on the Earth's fluid mantle (plate tectonics). The collision between lithospheric plates builds mountains, and their separation forms ocean basins where sediment is accumulated, on timescales of tens to hundreds of millions of years. Since, it is considered that its effect on climate change is not on the same timescale as the other components of the system and is not given as much attention. Despite its low effect on the historical time-scales, undoubtedly, it poses a load on the system. Note that I am not interested on events that can in fact interact with the timescales of other climatic components. For example when land masses ocupied positions near the poles and the effect of the resulting increase in glaciation can be on the same time scale as other non-lithospheric physical phenomena. |
Earth's climate system
In this diagram it is showing how the climatic system can impact what the lithosphere. |
Oceans/The Forces that Change the Face of EarthNot only are surface temperatures becoming warmer but so are deeper water temperatures. The ocean has absorbed "about 20 times as much as the atmosphere over the past half-century." The rise ocean sea level can lead to sea water getting into drinking supplies. Low level areas are more likely to experience this threat.
Despite our tendency to consider Earth as static, it is actually a dynamic and ever-changing planet. Wind, water, and ice erode and shape the land. Volcanic activity and earthquakes alter the landscape in a dramatic and often violent manner. And on a much longer timescale, the movement of earth’s plates slowly re configures oceans and continents. |
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Adaptation to Climate Change
In the diagram below this shows how different the climate changes have impacted our crops. The temperature, precipitation, and all other factors that make up the climate affect every ecosystem and the organisms that live there. The characteristics of these organisms are catered specifically for the environment they live in, so when the environment changes, a problem arises for the plants and animals. Some species have already begun to migrate to cooler regions to avoid warmer temperatures. These include animals native to North America seeking land further north or of higher elevation.
A systems approach of identifying stocks and flows in lithosphere
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Geological Time Scale
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The Lithosphere has been changed substantially through time as the earth has been shaped. The geography we see today is entirely reliant on the movement of the lithosphere as tectonic plates. The shape of the earth was drastically different from its beginning however.
At 3.8 billion years ago, we see the development of our lithosphere, and the formation of single celled organisms.
At 2.5 billion years ago, the first major land masses are created, with expansive shallow seas.
551 million years ago, the climate starts to warm up, especially near the equator due to the tilt of the earth. This causes more shallow seas to form near the equator.
408 million years ago, we see the formation of a major geographic feature still here today: the Appalachian Mountains.
At 360 million years ago, arid climates are produced by mountain building and forests become dominant.
40 million years later, glaciers start forming of the southern hemisphere.
At the beginning of the Triassic Period, when dinosaurs ruled the earth 245 million years ago, A warm climate created large continental deserts and shallow seas.
The dinosaurs also die at 65 million years ago, as continental seas start to fade.
58 million years ago, the Himalayas form as India collides with Asia, and Australia separates from Antarctica.
37 million years ago the Alps form, and volcanoes form in the Rockies.
1.6 million years ago Pleistocene Ice Age. Extinction of many species of large mammals and birds.
10,000 years ago humans start to develop
At 3.8 billion years ago, we see the development of our lithosphere, and the formation of single celled organisms.
At 2.5 billion years ago, the first major land masses are created, with expansive shallow seas.
551 million years ago, the climate starts to warm up, especially near the equator due to the tilt of the earth. This causes more shallow seas to form near the equator.
408 million years ago, we see the formation of a major geographic feature still here today: the Appalachian Mountains.
At 360 million years ago, arid climates are produced by mountain building and forests become dominant.
40 million years later, glaciers start forming of the southern hemisphere.
At the beginning of the Triassic Period, when dinosaurs ruled the earth 245 million years ago, A warm climate created large continental deserts and shallow seas.
The dinosaurs also die at 65 million years ago, as continental seas start to fade.
58 million years ago, the Himalayas form as India collides with Asia, and Australia separates from Antarctica.
37 million years ago the Alps form, and volcanoes form in the Rockies.
1.6 million years ago Pleistocene Ice Age. Extinction of many species of large mammals and birds.
10,000 years ago humans start to develop