What are four natural processes that can cause climate change?

Answer 1

There are many natural processes that can change climate at a local level. The following are processes that affect global climate over periods of no more than a few thousand years:

1. Volcanic eruptions can cause short-term climate change by cooling the earth, as the ash blocks out the sun.
2. A cycle of precession in the earth's orbit can initiate gradual climate change over a period that lasts 26,000 years. This is too gradual to be perceptible except over the very long term.
3. Climate change can also be initiated by the cycle in which the earth's elliptical orbit rotates. Again, this is too gradual to be perceptible except over the very long term.
4. The angle between Earth's rotational axis and the normal to the plane of its orbit oscillates between 22.1 and 24.5 degrees on a 41,000-year cycle. This can affect the seasonal variation of climate.

Sun spots have been considered and studied as a possible cause of global climate change, but have since been ruled out as an unlikely cause.

Answer 2

1. Solar radiation changes: Variations in the Sun's energy output can impact the Earth's climate over long periods.

2. Volcanic eruptions: Large volcanic eruptions can release significant amounts of ash and gases into the atmosphere, which can cool the planet temporarily.

3. Earth's orbit variations: Changes in the Earth's orbit and axial tilt can lead to changes in the distribution of solar radiation received by the planet, affecting climate.

4. Plate tectonics: Movement of tectonic plates can influence the distribution of landmasses and oceans, which can impact ocean currents and atmospheric circulation, ultimately affecting climate.