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Define solar radiation.
Energy emitted by the sun.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Define rain shadow effect.
Dry area on the leeward side of a mountain.
What is the windward side?
The side of a mountain facing the wind, receiving more precipitation.
What is the leeward side?
The side of a mountain sheltered from the wind, receiving less precipitation.
Define heat capacity.
The ability of a substance to store heat.
Significance of solar radiation?
Primary driver of Earth's climate system.
Importance of greenhouse gases?
Trap heat, influence global temperatures.
Role of ocean currents?
Distribute heat around the globe.
Effect of Earth's elliptical orbit?
Changes amount of solar energy reaching Earth.
How do mountains influence climate?
Block air masses, cause rain shadow effect.
Volcanic activity impact on climate?
Short-term cooling by blocking solar radiation.
Define solar radiation.
Energy emitted by the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Define rain shadow effect.
Dry area on the leeward side of a mountain.
What is the windward side?
The side of a mountain facing the wind; receives more precipitation.
What is the leeward side?
The side of a mountain sheltered from the wind; receives less precipitation.
Define ocean currents.
Continuous, directed movement of ocean water.
Define heat capacity.
The amount of heat required to change an object's temperature.
What is Earth's orbit?
The path Earth takes around the Sun, which is elliptical.
Define latitude.
The angular distance of a place north or south of the Earth's equator.
Define global warming.
A gradual increase in Earth's average surface temperature.