PrintExperiment 1: Steady State
One of the most important components of this climate system is the relationship between temperature and the energy emitted by the planet (Fig. 2), which constitutes a negative feedback mechanism. Negative feedback mechanisms are like thermostats that act to control the temperature and maintain a steady state. In this experiment, we see if that expectation is met by our model.
What happens if we start out with an Earth that is not in a steady state so that Ein≠Eout? Use the slider controls at the top to set the initial conditions specified in the assessment.
| Practice | Graded | |
|---|---|---|
| Albedo | 0.3 | 0.31 |
| CO2 Mult | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Solar Mult | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Initial T | 20°C for #1,2, (10°C for #3) | 5°C for #1,2, (25°C for #3) |
Questions
1. What will happen? How will the temperature change over time? Think about how the Ein and Eout will compare at the beginning.
- Eout > Ein — this will cause warming
- Eout > Ein — this will cause cooling
- Eout < Ein — this will cause warming
- Eout < Ein — this will cause cooling
- Eout = Ein — temperature will remain constant
2. Now, run the model and see what happens. What is the temperature at the end of the model run (to the nearest 0.1 °C)?
Ending Temperature =
3. Now change the initial temperature to second value as prescribed above, run the model and see what happens. Compared to the answer to #2, is the ending temperature the same (within 0.1 °C) or different (varies by more than 0.1°C)?
- Same
- Warmer
- Cooler
4. Steady state for a system is the condition in which the system components are not changing in value over time even though time is running and things are moving through the system. What is the steady state temperature of your system?
Steady State Temperature =
Be sure to reset everything in the model before going to the next problem.
Hit the refresh button on your browser or the rest button on the model.