Adjustments to Earth Using GEEBIT Ver. B3

Using GEEBIT Ver. B3 to adjust certain factors of Earth such as distance from the sun, surface albedo, and atmospheric absorptivity, we can shift the average temperature of the planet.  Changing one factor at a time by only 10% in either direction can have profound effects.

The first factor I changed was the distance of Earth from the Sun.  The current distance is 149.6 million miles, or 1 astronomical unit (AU).  At this distance we enjoy a comfortable temperature of 5.5C, or 41.9F.
At 0.9 AU, 10% closer to the sun, increases Earth's temperature to 20.6C, or 69F.
At 1.1 AU, 10% further from the sun, decreases Earth's temperature to -7.5C, or 18.5F.

The next factor I shifted was the surface albedo, this changes the amount of solar radiation that the Earth absorbs and reflects.  The current reality is 0.306, we set this as default at 0.0 in the GEEBIT model.  Setting all other factors back to normal, let's see what happens.
At 0.1, 10% higher, the Earth's temperature decreases to -1.8C, or 28.8F.
At -0.1, 10% lower, the Earth's temperature increases to 12.2C, or 54F.

The last factor the model allows manipulation with is the atmospheric absorptivity, or greenhouse gas factor.  This changes the amount of solar radiation, or short wave radiation, that the atmosphere is taking in, it also affects the amount of long wave radiation that is absorbed or released from the Earth.  Once again we set the current level at a default of 0.0.
At 0.1, 10% higher, the temperature increases to 9.9C, or 49.8F.
At -0.1, 10% lower, the temperature decreases to 0.9C, or 33.6F.

We can see by this very simple model that it does not take a huge shift in any direction to drastically change the temperature of the planet.  We would be wise to remember that the difference between an ice age and our current comfort zone is only about 5C.  All of these factors shifted the temperature by far more than that with only 10% change in either direction.

Average Weather & Climate for Zurich, Switzerland

This is a graph of annual average precipitation in Zurich, Switzerland

This is a graph of the minimum and maximum mean temperatures in Zurich, Switzerland

Source: http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall,Zurich,Switzerland

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Temperature -1.0 0.2 3.9 7.7 12.1 15.0 16.7 16.0 12.9 7.8 3.0 0.0 7.9 Precipitation 68 61 69 88 106 139 138 132 101 80 72 73 1123

 Source: http://www.about.ch/geography/climate/zuerich.html

The average annual precipitation and temperature follow the same pattern.  The summer months are warm with higher levels of rain, the winter months are colder and drier.  July is the wettest month while February is the driest.

Zurich, Switzerland is located in the North of Switzerland, it's climate is affected more by the Atlantic Ocean than the Mediterranean Sea.  Because it is blocked from the sea the climate is more continental, it is less moderate than the southern portion of the country.  It's exact coordinates are:

Latitude:	N	47°	23'	(Swiss Grid X: 683.2)
Longitude:	E	8°	32'	(Swiss Grid Y: 248.0)
Elevation:	408 m			(1339 feet)

The climate throughout Switzerland is fairly dry, this coupled with high elevations, especially in the areas where the Alps are located make it an arid environment which means a higher Bowen Ratio.  Switzerland is also a landlocked country, increasing the continentality of its climate.  Even though Switzerland sees a good amount of snowfall it is mainly concentrated in the high elevations of the Alps which are south of Zurich.  Switzerland also has many large lakes and because of high altitude snows there are many rivers and waterfalls that drain into these lakes.  These help to moderate the climate somewhat.  Due to the unique geography of Switzerland it lies in a transitional area of Europe's climatic zones.  The four main zones in Europe all converge in Switzerland so it is highly dependent on where one is in the country as to the climate they are experiencing.

The wildlife and vegetation is what one would expect in any high alpine environment, wildcats, elk, mountain goats, ibex, and depending on the area of the country the trees vary from oak to palm.  There are also many areas quite conducive to vineyards and olive trees.  Also because of the many large lakes there is an active fishing culture around the country.

Topographic map of Switzerland, Source: http://www.worldofmaps.net/en/europe/map-switzerland/topographic-map-switzerland.htm