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What is the primary driver of Earth's climate system?

Solar radiation is the main energy source that influences climate patterns.

All Flashcards

What is the primary driver of Earth's climate system?
Solar radiation is the main energy source that influences climate patterns.
How do greenhouse gases affect Earth's temperature?
They trap heat, leading to a warmer climate.
Explain the role of ocean currents in global climate.
They redistribute heat around the globe, influencing regional temperatures.
How does volcanic activity influence climate?
Large eruptions can temporarily cool the Earth by blocking solar radiation.
How does Earth's elliptical orbit affect climate?
Variations in distance from the sun affect the amount of solar energy received.
Why is volcanic cooling not a long-term solution to climate change?
Its effects are short-lived, and it doesn't address the root causes of warming.
How do mountains affect regional climate patterns?
They block air masses, leading to temperature and precipitation differences.
What is the relationship between deforestation and greenhouse gases?
Deforestation reduces the amount of CO2 absorbed, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.
How do land masses influence local precipitation?
They affect air mass movement and moisture distribution, creating rain shadows.
How does increased CO2 lead to more natural disasters?
It increases global temperatures, leading to more extreme weather events.
Effect of increased CO2?
Increased global temperatures, ocean acidification.
Cause of rain shadow effect?
Air masses interacting with topography.
Effect of volcanic eruptions?
Temporary cooling due to ash blocking sunlight.
Consequence of deforestation?
Increased greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
Impact of burning fossil fuels?
Increased greenhouse gases, leading to climate change.
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.