Geog Chap 9

Which of the following best describes the impact of the Clausius-Clapeyron relationship on climate patterns?

It leads to more intense precipitation events and severe droughts.

Why does recent weather often "fool" people regarding their beliefs about climate change?

The brain uses a mental shortcut that prioritizes the most readily available and recent information.

What term does the transcript use to describe the phenomenon where people avoid talking about climate change because they assume others will disagree?

The Spiral of Silence

How does the cryosphere act as both an indicator and an amplifier of climate change?

It indicates climate change through its retreat and amplifies warming by contributing to feedback mechanisms.

What is the primary reason that organic carbon has historically remained trapped in permafrost soils?

Extremely cold conditions prevent dead plants and animals from fully decomposing.

When permafrost thaws, what biological process leads to the release of greenhouse gases?

Soil microbes "wake up" and begin decomposing organic material.

What is the potential "counterbalance" that might help mitigate the greenhouse gases released by thawing ground?

Stimulated plant growth that absorbs CO2 for photosynthesis.

What key evidence do scientists use to document and measure sea level rise over the past century?

Tide gauge records and satellite altimetry data.

What are the two main physical causes of sea level rise as discussed?

Thermal expansion and land-based ice melt

What is the primary geographical cause of the saltwater "creep" 100 km upstream into the Mississippi River?

A severe drought that has weakened the river's downstream flow.

what is the only natural event that will ultimately flush the salt back to the sea?

Significant rainfall to increase river volume.

How does the current situation in New Orleans relate to the broader theme of climate change mentioned in the text?

It highlights the need for the city to adapt to changing environmental patterns.

How do large fruit eaters, like the spider monkey, act as "unwitting climate activists"?

They disperse the seeds of hardwood trees in their dung, which grow into trees that sequester carbon.

Which of the following is an example of a "regulating" ecosystem service mentioned in the text?

Trees and mangroves shielding coastlines from storm surges and flooding.

In the Virunga National Park example, what was a critical component of the "hands-on management" used to restore mountain gorilla populations?

Using tourism revenue to help local human communities coexist with the animals.

How does ocean acidification threaten coral reefs?

It reduces the availability of carbonate ions needed for coral skeleton formation.

What is the primary relationship between corals and the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues?

The algae provide the coral with most of its food, while the coral provides a house for the algae.

What is the direct cause of "coral bleaching" as described in the transcript?

Corals evicting their colorful algae due to stress from factors like warming waters or pollution.

How does deforestation in the Amazon rainforest impact its ability to maintain its wet conditions, and what is the potential consequence if this continues?

Deforestation reduces transpiration, weakening rainfall recycling, potentially leading to savanna formation.

What is the primary reason for the decline in the Sumatran tiger population since 2000?

Habitat loss due to deforestation

Why are the five forested mountains (Mount Kenya, the Aberdares, the Mau Complex, Mount Elgon, and the Cherangani Hills) considered critical for Kenya’s survival?

They provide 90% of the country's water and 70% of its electricity via rivers.

why is protecting and restoring ecosystems considered an issue for "every day" rather than just "tomorrow"?

Because ecosystems provide the immediate essentials of life: air, water, and food.

How can consumer and civic leverage influence the preservation of tropical ecosystems?

By allowing informed purchasing decisions and policy evaluation.

define a climate "tipping point"?

A point where a small amount of extra warming triggers an irreversible change to a new state.

Which of the following is an example of a tipping point mentioned that affects a major ecosystem?

the transition of the Amazon rainforest into a savannah.

How does the addition of freshwater from melting glaciers potentially affect the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)?

It reduces the density of the ocean water, potentially disrupting the sinking process.

What is a potential consequence of further weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)?

Substantial cooling in Northwestern Europe.

What is the role of the Amazon Rainforest in the Earth's climate system?

It generates 'flying rivers' of moisture that sustain rainfall beyond its boundaries

What is the primary concern of climate scientists regarding cascading tipping points?

One tipping point can initiate a sequence affecting multiple systems.

How does Dr. Tyson redefine "science literacy" beyond just the acquisition of knowledge?

The ability to question surroundings and maintain a sense of curiosity about how things work.