14. Relate climate to meteorological phenomena that occur in the Philippines.

CLIMATE
- Climate is the general pattern of weather in a certain area over a long period of time.

METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA
- Meteorological phenomena refer to events or processes in the atmosphere that influence the Earth's
weather and climate. They are observable weather events that are explained by the science of
meteorology. Examples include storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and rainfall.

 Factors Affecting Climate and Their Relation to Meteorological Phenomena

✓ Latitude
o The Philippines is located near the equator, resulting in a warm, tropical climate. This
proximity leads to consistent high temperatures, which contribute to phenomena like
thunderstorms and typhoons.
o Solar energy is intense, promoting the evaporation process that fuels heavy rain and
typhoons.
✓ Altitude
o Areas at higher altitudes, such as Baguio and parts of the Cordillera region, experience
cooler temperatures and more rainfall than lowland areas. This creates microclimates
where phenomena like fog and localized thunderstorms are common.
✓ Distance from the ocean
o Being an archipelago, the Philippines is surrounded by large bodies of water, which
moderate the temperature and contribute to high humidity. The warm waters of the Pacific
Ocean enhance the development of typhoons and tropical storms.
o Coastal areas experience sea breezes and are more prone to storm surges and flooding.
✓ Topography
o Mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre create orographic rainfall (rain formed as moist air
rises over mountains), causing heavy rain on the windward side and dry conditions on the
leeward side.
o Mountains can weaken typhoons, but lowland areas and valleys are more prone to strong
winds, flooding, and landslides.
o Coastal regions with flat terrain are vulnerable to storm surges during typhoons.
o Valleys can trap heat, leading to higher temperatures and localized thunderstorms, while
river basins often face flooding due to slow drainage during heavy rains.
✓ Ocean Currents
o Warm ocean currents, such as the Kuroshio Current, influence the formation and path of
typhoons.
o The Coriolis Effect causes typhoons to spin counterclockwise in the Northern
Hemisphere, guiding their movement towards the Philippines from the Pacific.
o El Niño and La Niña events, driven by ocean currents, cause droughts and excessive
rainfall, respectively.

15. Describe climatic phenomena that occur on a global level (ENATO)

16. Explain the impact of increased carbon dioxide on global mean temperature

I. Relationship Between Carbon Dioxide and Global Temperature

 Carbon Dioxide's Role:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a major greenhouse gas that absorbs and traps heat in the Earth's
atmosphere. As solar radiation warms the Earth's surface, this energy is absorbed by
greenhouse gases, preventing the heat from escaping into space. The more CO₂ present in
the atmosphere, the more heat is retained, leading to a rise in the global temperature.

 Impact of Increased CO₂:

• More CO₂ = More heat trapped = Higher global mean temperature
 Impact of Decreased CO₂:
• On the other hand, lower levels of greenhouse gases would lead to a cooler Earth, as less
heat would be trapped in the atmosphere.

Historical Temperature Trends

• Before the Industrial Revolution:

o The Earth's temperature was relatively stable with minor natural variations.
• Industrial Revolution (Late 18th Century Onwards):
o Increased use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) released more CO₂ into the
atmosphere.
o Rising global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
• Post-Industrial Revolution:
o Accelerated rise in CO₂ levels = Significant global warming and climate change.

17. Differentiate greenhouse effect from global warming and Identify the sources of greenhouse gases
and relate them to climate change

Greenhouse Effect Global Warming

Natural process where greenhouse gases trap Long-term rise in Earth’s average surface
heat from the sun in Earth's atmosphere, temperature due to the increase in greenhouse
keeping the planet warm enough for life. gases caused by human activities.

Sources of Greenhouse Gases and Relation to Climate Change

1. Burning of Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas)

• Greenhouse Gas Produced:
o Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Relation to Climate Change:
o Major contributor to global warming.
 o Increases CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect,
leading to higher global temperatures.

2. Deforestation
• Greenhouse Gas Produced:
o Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Relation to Climate Change:
o Reduces Earth's ability to absorb CO₂.
o More CO₂ is released into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.

3. Agricultural Activities (Livestock Digestion, Rice Cultivation)

• Greenhouse Gas Produced:
o Methane (CH₄)
• Relation to Climate Change:
o Methane traps more heat than CO₂, making it a stronger greenhouse gas.
o Increased methane emissions from agriculture amplify the greenhouse effect,
contributing to global warming.

4. Landfills (Decomposing Organic Waste)

• Greenhouse Gas Produced:
o Methane (CH₄)
• Relation to Climate Change:
o Methane emitted from landfills significantly increases atmospheric methane levels.
o Global warming is accelerated by the added heat-trapping methane in the
atmosphere.

5. Industrial Processes (Fossil Fuel Extraction, Cement Production)

• Greenhouse Gas Produced:
o Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
• Relation to Climate Change:
o Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas.
o Contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

6. Increased Evaporation (Due to Rising Temperatures)

• Greenhouse Gas Produced:
o Water Vapor (H₂O)
• Relation to Climate Change:
o Warmer temperatures due to global warming lead to increased evaporation, releasing
more water vapor.
o Water vapor amplifies the greenhouse effect, creating a feedback loop that further
increases global temperatures.

7. Use of Refrigerants (Air Conditioners, Refrigerators)

• Greenhouse Gas Produced:
 o Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Relation to Climate Change:
o CFCs are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to both global warming and ozone
depletion.
o Although banned, residual CFCs in the atmosphere continue to impact the climate.

18. Differentiate El Niño and La Niña phenomena and Explain the effects of El Nino and La Nina
phenomena on global climate

El Niño vs. La Niña

1. El Niño
• Definition:
o A natural phenomenon characterized by the abnormal warming of the eastern part of
the Pacific Ocean.
• Occurrence:
o Happens irregularly every 2 to 7 years and lasts for 9 months to 2 years.
o Usually starts during the Christmas season (hence, the name El Niño meaning "Christ
child").
• Cause:
o Weakening of trade winds, causing warm surface water to pile up and block the
upwelling of cooler water.
• Effects on Global Climate:
o Warmer Temperatures: The increased temperature of the Pacific Ocean affects
weather patterns globally, raising temperatures and causing disruptions in climate.
o Droughts and Dry Conditions: Some regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts
of the Pacific, experience severe droughts and below-average rainfall.
o Increased Storms: El Niño can cause stronger thunderstorms, flooding, and
massive storms.
o Agricultural Impact: Droughts can negatively impact agriculture by reducing crop
yields and causing water shortages.
o Wildlife Displacement: Some species may be at risk due to drought or extreme
temperature changes.
• Impact in the Philippines:
o Drier than normal conditions in some areas, leading to droughts and water
shortages.
o Disruptions in agriculture and a decrease in water resources.

2. La Niña
• Definition:
o The opposite of El Niño, a natural phenomenon caused by the cooling of the eastern
part of the Pacific Ocean.
• Occurrence:
o Follows El Niño but can occur independently.
 o Typically lasts for 9 months to 2 years.
• Cause:
o Strengthened trade winds, leading to a more intense upwelling of cold water and more
water vapor in the atmosphere.
• Effects on Global Climate:
o Cooler Temperatures: The cooling of the Pacific Ocean causes global temperatures to
drop.
o Increased Rainfall: Many regions, including parts of Southeast Asia, experience
above-average rainfall.
o Flooding: Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, especially in areas that are not equipped
to handle large amounts of water.
o Agricultural Impact: While some areas benefit from more rainfall, other regions may
face flooding and crop destruction.
o Wildlife Displacement: Excessive rainfall or flooding can affect local wildlife and
ecosystems.
• Impact in the Philippines:
o Increased rainfall in some regions, leading to potential flooding and landslides.
o Restoration of water resources that were depleted during El Niño.
o Agricultural damage from flooding and excess rainfall.

Factor El Niño La Niña

Ocean Temperature Warming of the eastern Pacific Cooling of the eastern Pacific
Ocean. Ocean.
Trade Winds Weakened trade winds Strengthened trade winds.
Weather Impact Drier conditions, droughts, Wet conditions, heavy rainfall,
warmer temperatures, stronger cooler temperatures, flooding.
storms.
Global Effects Increased global temperatures, Cooler global temperatures,
decreased rainfall in some increased rainfall in some areas.
areas.
Effect on Agriculture Drought, reduced crop yields, Flooding, crop destruction from
water shortages. excessive rainfall.