All Flashcards
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.
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.
What are the effects of increased greenhouse gas concentrations?
Global warming, changes in precipitation patterns, more extreme weather events.
What is the effect of deforestation on climate?
Reduced carbon sequestration, increased atmospheric CO2, contributing to global warming.
What is the cause of the rain shadow effect?
Mountains blocking air masses, leading to differential precipitation patterns.
What is the effect of burning fossil fuels?
Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming and climate change.
What is the effect of increased solar radiation?
Higher temperatures, altered weather patterns, and changes in ecosystems.
What is the effect of warm ocean currents on coastal regions?
They moderate temperatures, making coastal areas warmer than they would otherwise be.
What is the effect of cold ocean currents on coastal regions?
They cool temperatures, making coastal areas cooler than they would otherwise be.
What is the effect of increased methane in the atmosphere?
Enhanced greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming.
What is the effect of ocean acidification?
Harm to marine life, disruption of food chains, and reduced carbon sequestration.
What are the long-term effects of global warming?
Sea level rise, habitat loss, species extinction, and changes in agricultural productivity.