All Flashcards
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.
What are ice cores?
Samples of ice drilled from glaciers or ice sheets that contain trapped air bubbles revealing past atmospheric composition and climate data.
What is albedo?
The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.
What is a positive feedback loop?
A process where the effect of a change amplifies the original change, creating a cycle.
Define permafrost.
Ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years.
What is the effect of melting permafrost?
Releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further accelerating climate change.
What is the effect of rising temperatures on polar bears?
Melting ice destroys their habitat, making it difficult to hunt and survive.
What is the effect of melting ice on coastal areas?
Increases ocean volume, leading to rising sea levels and flooding in coastal regions.
What is the effect of increased CO2?
Increased CO2 traps more heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
What is the effect of disrupted heat distribution?
Climate change can disrupt natural circulation patterns, leading to unpredictable weather.