PhysicsChapter 10: Earth's Climate
Internal Variations vs External Forcing
**Internal climate variability** arises from interactions within the climate system, while external forcing
Definition
Internal climate variability arises from interactions within the climate system, while external forcing is an influence that changes the climate system's energy balance from outside a particular internal variability process.
Internal Variability
The climate system can vary naturally because of interactions among: atmosphere; oceans; ice; land; * biosphere. Examples include shifts in ocean-atmosphere circulation.
External Forcing
Examples can include: changes in incoming solar energy; volcanic aerosol forcing; changes in greenhouse-gas concentrations due to external additions to the atmosphere in the system analysis; long-term orbital changes. The distinction depends partly on how the system boundary is defined.
Formula / Key Relation
Conceptually: **Climate response = internal variability + response to forcing**
Exam preparation
Exam Focus
Quick revision
Revision Zone
Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Internal Variations vs External Forcing
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
INTERNAL
- system interactions
EXTERNAL FORCING
- changes energy balance
60-second revision
- Internal variability = natural rearrangement.
- External forcing = imposed change in energy balance.
Did you understand this topic?
Your answer is saved with your learning record. It does not mark the topic as mastered.