QUESTION 1

(a) Differentiate between aerosols and pollutants giving examples and briefly give their major impacts on the environment

(b) Briefly describe how the sun-earth dynamics drives the global atmospheric circulation. What would be the most likely consequence in the event of any breakdown in the general circulation?

(c) What is the climate system? Briefly explain the hydrological cycle

(d) Distinguish between Protocol and Convention. Explain briefly the Montreal and the Kyoto Protocol

QUESTION 2

Ozone can be both good and bad. Elaborate on its sources, formation and destruction (both natural and anthropogenic) including simple chemical equations where necessary. Explain the importance and impact of ozone on the environment and health

QUESTION 3

(a) Highlight the importance of the ocean in driving the climate

(b) What would be the consequences on the global climate and livelihood in the event of a shutdown of the deep ocean conveyor belt?

QUESTION 4

The greenhouse effect often gets a bad rap because of its association with global warming, but the truth is we couldn't live without it. Outline and discuss these two concepts paying particular importance to the mechanism, cause and effects

QUESTION 5

(a) Distinguish between climate change and climate variability

Among the different forcing mechanisms that induce natural climate variability is the internal and external forcing. Discuss these mechanisms giving examples

(b) What is climate feedback? Illustrate climate feedback using the effect of clouds as an example