All Flashcards
What are the steps of ocean acidification?
Increased atmospheric CO2, CO2 absorbed by oceans, formation of carbonic acid, lowering of ocean pH.
Describe the process of the Greenhouse Effect.
Solar radiation enters atmosphere, some radiation is reflected, some is absorbed and re-emitted as infrared radiation, GHGs trap some infrared radiation, warming the Earth.
How does thermal expansion contribute to rising sea levels?
Warmer water temperature, increased molecular motion, expansion of water volume, rise in sea level.
Describe how melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels.
Increased global temperatures, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, increased water volume in oceans, rise in sea level.
Explain the process of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
Extraction of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), burning of fossil fuels for energy, release of CO2 into the atmosphere, increased greenhouse effect.
What are the steps involved in the spread of disease vectors due to climate change?
Increased global temperatures, expansion of vector habitats, increased vector populations, increased disease transmission.
Explain the process of methane production in landfills.
Organic waste in landfills, anaerobic decomposition by bacteria, production of methane gas, release of methane into the atmosphere.
Describe the process of nitrous oxide release from agricultural fertilizers.
Application of nitrogen-based fertilizers, conversion of nitrogen by soil microbes, release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, increased greenhouse effect.
Explain the process of carbon sequestration in forests.
Trees absorb CO2 from atmosphere, CO2 is converted into biomass through photosynthesis, carbon is stored in trees and soil, carbon is released when trees decompose or burn.
Describe the process of climate change impact on biodiversity.
Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, habitat alteration and loss, species displacement or extinction, disruption of ecosystems and food chains.
What is the significance of the Greenhouse Effect?
It's a natural process that keeps Earth warm enough to support life, but increased GHGs enhance the effect, causing warming.
Why is CO2 a major concern?
It's a major contributor to the greenhouse effect, primarily from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.
Why is methane a potent GHG?
It traps more heat than CO2 over a shorter timeframe, contributing significantly to global warming.
What is the role of IPCC?
It assesses climate change science and provides data-driven reports for policymakers.
Why is rising sea level a concern?
It leads to coastal flooding, erosion, and habitat loss, impacting coastal communities and ecosystems.
Why is ocean acidification harmful?
It impacts marine organisms with shells and skeletons, disrupting marine ecosystems.
Why is loss of biodiversity a concern?
Species are displaced, face extinction, and ecosystems are disrupted.
Explain the concept of climate feedback.
A process where an initial change in climate triggers further changes, amplifying or reducing the initial effect (e.g., increased water vapor with warming).
Explain how deforestation contributes to climate change.
Trees absorb CO2. Deforestation reduces CO2 uptake and releases stored carbon, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Explain why climate change is a long-term trend.
Climate change is about shifts in long-term averages, not just day-to-day weather.
What is the significance of the Greenhouse Effect?
It's a natural process essential for maintaining Earth's temperature, but increased GHGs enhance it, leading to global warming.
How does climate differ from weather?
Climate is long-term average weather patterns, while weather is short-term atmospheric conditions.
What is the role of the IPCC?
To assess climate change science, impacts, and risks, providing data and reports for policymakers.
Why is methane a concern?
It's a potent greenhouse gas, more effective at trapping heat than CO2 over a shorter timeframe.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
It reduces carbon sinks, releasing stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Why is ocean acidification harmful?
It impacts marine organisms with shells and skeletons, disrupting marine ecosystems.
What causes rising sea levels?
Melting glaciers/ice sheets and thermal expansion of water.
How does climate change affect disease vectors?
Warmer temperatures expand their range, increasing the spread of diseases.
What role does water vapor play in the greenhouse effect?
It acts as a feedback gas; increasing temperatures lead to more water vapor, further enhancing the greenhouse effect.
Why are wildfires a concern in the context of climate change?
They release large amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.