Hazardous Earth and Climate Dynamics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to hazardous earth processes, climate change, urbanization, and development dynamics.

Mid-latitude cell

A type of atmospheric circulation that occurs between 30° and 60° latitude, influencing climate and weather patterns.

Quaternary Period

The geological time period that began about 2.6 million years ago and is characterized by the development of modern humans and fluctuating climate.

Hadley cell

A tropical atmospheric circulation that transports warm, moist air from the equator to higher latitudes, influencing weather patterns.

Ice Cores

Cylindrical samples extracted from ice sheets that provide data about past climate conditions, such as levels of CO2.

Solar output variation

Changes in the amount of solar energy emitted by the sun, affecting Earth's climate and temperature.

Anthropogenic climate change

Climate change that is caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The additional warming produced by increased levels of greenhouse gases due to human activities.

Saffir-Simpson scale

A classification system for hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds and potential for damage.

Subduction zone

An area where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Rostow's theory of development

A model that outlines the stages of economic growth that countries undergo as they develop.

Informal sector

Economic activities that are not monitored or taxed by the government, often providing low-wage jobs.

Urbanisation

The increase in the percentage of people living in urban areas, driven by migration and higher birth rates.

Tsunami

A large ocean wave typically caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption.

Convection currents

Circulating patterns in the mantle caused by the heat from the Earth's core, driving plate tectonics.

Coriolis effect

The apparent deflection of moving objects (such as air) caused by the Earth's rotation.

Greenhouse gases

Gases such as CO2 and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Agricultural productivity

The efficiency with which crops and livestock are produced, often affected by environmental conditions.