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  1. AP Environmental Science
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Define ice cores.

Cylinders of ice drilled from glaciers or ice sheets, containing trapped air bubbles that reveal past atmospheric composition and climate data.

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Define ice cores.

Cylinders of ice drilled from glaciers or ice sheets, containing trapped air bubbles that reveal past atmospheric composition and climate data.

Define positive feedback loop.

A process where an initial change triggers a series of events that amplify the original change, leading to an accelerating effect.

Define albedo.

The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.

What are the effects of melting ice and snow?

Habitat loss for polar animals, thawing permafrost releases methane, rising sea levels cause coastal flooding, and disruption of marine ecosystems.

What is the effect of rising sea levels?

Flooding in coastal areas, loss of coastal habitats, increased erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and displacement of human populations.

What is the effect of thawing permafrost?

Release of methane (a potent greenhouse gas), further accelerating climate change, destabilization of infrastructure built on permafrost, and changes to local ecosystems.

Why are ice cores important?

They provide historical climate data, including past CO2 levels and temperatures, allowing scientists to understand long-term climate trends.

Explain natural heat distribution.

The process by which warm air and water move from the equator towards the poles, while cool air and water return to the equator, balancing Earth's temperature.

What is the significance of melting ice?

It reduces Earth's albedo, accelerates warming via positive feedback loops, destroys habitats, and contributes to sea-level rise.

How do computer models help with climate change?

Scientists use computer models to predict future warming based on different CO2 emission scenarios and understand potential impacts.

Why are the poles important in climate change?

The poles are highly sensitive to climate change, and changes there (like melting ice) have global implications due to feedback loops and sea-level rise.

Explain the correlation of CO2 and temperature.

High CO2 levels in ice cores correlate with warmer climates, indicating a strong relationship between atmospheric CO2 and global temperature.

How does melting ice create a positive feedback loop?

Melting ice reduces Earth's albedo, causing more solar radiation to be absorbed, leading to further warming and more melting.