APES Unit Nine: Global Climate Change Flashcards

Flashcards based on the APES Unit Nine study guide, covering key vocabulary related to global climate change.

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific location.

Climate

Long-term patterns of weather conditions in a region.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth's surface and lower atmosphere caused by gases that absorb and radiate thermal energy.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the atmosphere that absorb and trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Global Warming Potential

The capacity of a greenhouse gas to trap heat in the atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide.

Paleoclimatology

The study of past climates.

Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities.

Human Sources of Greenhouse Gases

Burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, deforestation, and industrial processes.

Impacts of Climate Change (Wildfires, Drought, Soil degradation)

Increased frequency and intensity of wildfires, changes in precipitation patterns leading to droughts, and degradation of soil quality.

Ocean Acidification

Ocean water becoming more acidic due to increased absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Sea Level Rise

The rising of the ocean surface level, caused by thermal expansion and melting of land ice.

Land Ice Melting

Melting of glaciers and ice sheets contributes to sea level rise.

Thermal Expansion of Water

When water expands as it warms, further increasing sea level.

Changing Ocean Currents

Changes in the speed and direction of ocean currents due to climate change.

Changing Wind Currents

Changes in the speed and direction of wind patterns due to climate change.

Positive Feedback Loops (Climate Change)

Self-reinforcing cycles that accelerate climate change.

Albedo

The measure of how much of the Sun's energy is reflected back into space .

Permafrost Melting

Thawing of permafrost releases greenhouse gases, enhancing warming.

Deforestation

The removal of forests, reducing carbon dioxide absorption.

Arctic Warming

The Arctic region is warming at a rate faster than the rest of the planet.

Hydrologic Cycle Changes

Changes in the distribution and availability of water due to climate change.

Decreased Infiltration

Reducing plant water uptake and increasing runoff and pollution.

Primary Water Use

Industry and agriculture are the main users of water.

Surface Withdrawal Impacts

Shortages and ecological impacts, such as loss of estuaries/wetlands.

Groundwater Withdrawal Impacts

Land subsidence and saltwater intrusion.

Land Subsidence

the sinking or settling of land to a lower level in response to various natural and human-caused factors

Saltwater intrusion

the movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers, which can lead to contamination of drinking water sources and other adverse effects.

Colorado River

River in the southwestern United States, facing water scarcity due to climate change.

Glen Canyon/Hoover Dams

Dams on the Colorado River, affected by the river's drying up.

Climate Change Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down climate change.

Climate Change Adaptation

Actions taken to adjust to the impacts of climate change.