Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth's systems. HS-ESS3-5
Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth's surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems. HS-ESS2-2
The Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
I NEEDED to visit the Southern Patagonia Ice Field before it disappears. For my December 2023 vacation, I planned a three-week trip of adventure and activity to fulfill that particular dream. After I arrived and learned new information during various tours, I came to find out this is the only part of the world where glaciers are stable and not at threat of disappearing. 😐 Okay.
This did not discount the amazement and awe that overcame me while I appreciated the many glaciers I encountered during my time in both the Argentine and Chilean sides. The glaciers are massive. They are loud when ice calves. They are the most erosive forces in the world.
Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, Magallanes Region, Chile
Glaciers elsewhere in the world are not as fortunate. There is a net loss of land ice as average global temperatures rise. How quickly is this happening? How do we measure this? What will the impacts be? Will Colombia be affected?
From the summit of the Nevado del Tolima, PNN Los Nevados, Colombia
Throughout this unit, you will be learning about the cryosphere and how it interacts with other systems on Earth. In every lesson, you are going to analyze a different form of geoscience data and then be tasked with analyzing the same forms of data in your summative assessment [semester final exam]. Even if you are like me and hate being cold and in the snow, you can still look for inspiration from this shrinking part of our world and gain an appreciation for what it provides us no matter how distant we may be from it.
2020-2023 AD, 5010 m.s.n.m.
[The glacier atop the Negado del Tolima currently extends 190 meters below the summit]
The cryosphere is one of several Earth systems. It is composed of the places and parts of our world with frozen water in the forms of snow and ice. The cryosphere is an important climate regulator since surfaces with high albedo reflect solar radiation back to Space, and decreased temperatures reduce or halt decomposition thereby reducing more GHGs.
In this summative, you will analyze geoscience data about the cryosphere in Colombia, to make evidence-based forecasts based on the current rate of climate change. What effects will climate change have on the cryosphere in Colombia, and what will the impacts of these changes be?
