Which Of The Following Is Not One Of Earth’s Climate Controls?

Earth’s climate is controlled by a variety of factors, but not all of them are equally important. It is essential to understand which of these factors are not among Earth’s climate controls in order to gain a better appreciation of the global climate system and potential for further warming.

The Sun

The Sun is often thought of as one of the major drivers of Earth’s climate, but it is actually not one of the primary climate controls. While the Sun does provide essential energy to drive the cycling of energy between the atmosphere and the land, the Sun’s energy does not significantly influence the temperature at Earth’s surface.

Volcanic Activity

Volcanic activity, while occasionally having an effect on Earth’s climate, is not one of the major climate controls. Volcanic eruptions can inject particles into the atmosphere and temporarily cool the planet, but this is only a short-term effect. Volcanoes do not have a significant effect on global climate.

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are another factor that influence climate, but they are not a primary climate control. The ocean has a large capacity to store heat and transport it around the globe, but its effects on global climate patterns are typically quite small. Ocean currents can amplify or diminish the effects of other climate controls, but they are not a major factor in global climate.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, are one of the most important climate controls. The gases absorb and re-radiate heat from the Sun, trapping it in the atmosphere and eventually warming the Earth’s surface. Without greenhouse gases, the planet would be much cooler than it currently is.

The Moon

The Moon is not one of Earth’s climate controls. The Moon’s cycles of waxing and waning influence the tides and thus ocean currents, but its influence over climate is negligible. The Moon does not significantly affect global climate.

Earth’s climate is controlled by a variety of factors, but not all of them are equally important. It is essential to understand which of these factors are not among Earth’s climate controls in order to gain a better appreciation of the global climate system and potential for further warming. The Sun, volcanic activity, ocean currents, and the Moon are not primary climate controls, while greenhouse gases are a major driver of global climate.