Coastal Processes, Hazards, and Society

Atmospheric Changes

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Atmospheric Changes

We have already considered the influence of changes in the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, specifically the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, as drivers for fluctuations in atmospheric temperatures, which can, in turn, influence the temperature and level of the ocean. The anthropogenically driven increase in CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere explains the current rapid warming of the Earth’s atmosphere (more on this later). The concept of the greenhouse effect and “greenhouse gases” has been widely discussed, but bears a reminder here, so we can connect these changes with those that have taken place through the history of the planet. Of course, there are many other drivers for changes in the chemical composition of the atmosphere, including rates of volcanic activity.