Grade 9 Academic Geography – Strand 3
Global Warming and Earth’s Oceans
What does this image represent to
you? That is, what do you see?
Provide, at least, four
observations.
Now, let’s explore the possible changes to Earth’s natural cycles and environment that may arise
(…predicted and likely) from your ideas?
 List three things you already know about Earth’s ocean currents?

List three things you already know about molecules and atoms?

List some physical and chemical characteristics about water that you already know?

What is the Greenhouse Effect? Why is it vital for life on Earth? Illustrate the natural
Greenhouse Effect using a diagram.

Identify the primary Greenhouse Gases that trap heat energy in Earth’s atmosphere. Any
surprises?

Global Warming is described as “…the increase of Earth's average surface temperature due to
greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels or from
deforestation, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth.” In your own words,
define Global Warming.

According the dosomething.org, there is more CO2 in the atmosphere today than at any point in
the last 800,000 years. What does that suggest to you?

What happens when CO2 is dissolved in water (H2O)? Think chemistry…

Once again, examine the illustration above. What new ideas can you add? What changes to the
oceans can you predict?

What does this figure tell you?