All Flashcards
Define Climate.
Long-term (30+ years) weather patterns, including temperature and precipitation averages.
Define Weather.
Short-term atmospheric conditions.
Define Greenhouse Effect.
A natural process where gases in the troposphere trap thermal energy, keeping Earth warm enough to support life.
Define Greenhouse Gases (GHGs).
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Define Ocean Acidification.
The decrease in ocean pH due to the absorption of increased atmospheric CO2.
Define Disease Vector.
An organism that transmits diseases (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks).
What is Thermal Expansion?
The increase in volume of water as its temperature increases.
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of scientists assessing climate change science.
Define deforestation.
The clearing of forests for other land uses.
Define cellular respiration.
The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water.
What are the environmental consequences of increased CO2 emissions?
Enhanced greenhouse effect, global warming, climate change, ocean acidification.
What are the effects of rising sea levels?
Coastal flooding, erosion, saltwater intrusion, habitat loss.
What causes the spread of disease vectors?
Warmer temperatures, expanded vector ranges, increased disease transmission.
What are the effects of ocean acidification?
Impacts on marine organisms with shells/skeletons (e.g., corals, shellfish), disruption of marine ecosystems.
What are the consequences of deforestation?
Reduced carbon sinks, increased CO2 in atmosphere, habitat loss, biodiversity decline.
What are the effects of melting glaciers and ice sheets?
Rising sea levels, altered ocean salinity, changes in ocean currents.
What is the effect of increased methane emissions?
Enhanced greenhouse effect, global warming, climate change.
What are the environmental effects of using nitrogen-based fertilizers?
Release of nitrous oxide (N2O), water pollution, soil degradation.
What are the consequences of extreme weather events?
Habitat destruction, species displacement, infrastructure damage, economic losses.
What are the effects of climate change on biodiversity?
Species displacement, habitat loss, extinction risk, disruption of ecosystems.
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.