Learn more about the following climate change topics, or search the Virtual Library for resources.

Climate Variability refers to the variations in the mean state of the climate (on all spatial and temporal scales) beyond that of individual weather events. Climate change is expected to impact and modify climate patterns such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, resulting in more frequent, widespread, or intense weather events and extremes.

Ocean Acidification is the term that describes the increasing acidity of the ocean due to increased levels of carbon dioxide. Increasing acidity causes calcium carbonate (the building block of many shelled organisms) to decrease, weakening the skeletal structure of corals, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other shelled creatures.

Ocean Warming has increased the average temperature in the upper several-hundred meters of the global ocean. Higher ocean temperatures have caused increased incidences of coral bleaching, which can lead to the death of coral colonies.

Precipitation Changes will result from climate change influences that will alter the amount, intensity, frequency, and type of precipitation. Changes in precipitation patterns have wide-ranging affects on many areas including agriculture, coastal marine habitats, and human health.

Sea Level Rise is increasing due to the increase in global average air and ocean temperatures and the melting of glaciers. Rising sea levels will lead to increased erosion, loss of coastal habitats, loss of freshwater resources, and increased public safety risks, as higher sea levels exacerbate the effects of storms and flooding.