1. Consider the amplitude of the seasonal cycle of surface air temperature [Fig. 2.7 (Cook, 2013), slide slide 41 of the chapter1.pptx file].  Assume the 900 mb level is representative of surface temperature.  Ignoring Antarctica (why?), where is the largest amplitude of the seasonal cycle of temperature?  Give at least three reasons for this location?
2. Consider the DJF and JJA zonal average vertical and latitudinal distribution of temperature [Fig. 2.9 (Cook, 2013), slide slides 38 and 39 of the chapter1.pptx file].  Calculate the lapse rate from 900 mb to 400 mb at 60°N and 60°S for both DJF and JJA. Where is it the largest and where is it the smallest?  Explain the differences between hemispheres and seasons. 
3. If the CO₂ concentration doubled from 400 ppm to 800 ppm, how would the density of dry air change?
4. If the water vapor concentration of moist air doubled from 1% to 2%, how would the density of the air change?
5. Consider the distribution of salinity in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in Figs. 1.11 and 1.14.  Why are they different?  Explain the regions of maximum and minimum salinity in each basin, as a function of horizontal location for the surface (Fig. 1.11), and as a function of latitude and depth for the zonal averages (Fig. 1.14).

Prepared by Alan Robock (robock@envsci.rutgers.edu) - Last updated on August 28, 2019