Understanding the Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and key concepts related to the greenhouse effect, climate change, and related phenomena.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm.

Shortwave Radiation

Radiation emitted by the sun that includes visible light and UV light; penetrates the atmosphere.

Longwave Radiation

Radiation re-emitted from Earth after absorbing shortwave radiation; perceived as heat.

Infrared Radiation

A type of longwave radiation that we perceive as heat.

Permeable

Allowing fluids or gases to pass through.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as CO2, methane, and water vapor that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Carbon Dioxide

The most abundant greenhouse gas, which increases due to human activities.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas released by livestock and agricultural practices.

Ozone Layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful UV radiation.

Combustion

The process of burning fossil fuels, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation

The removal of trees which exacerbates carbon dioxide levels by reducing carbon sinks.

Carbon Sink

Natural reservoirs that absorb and store CO2 from the atmosphere.

Anthropogenic

Caused or influenced by humans.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, often associated with global warming.

Global Warming

The increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

Albedo Effect

The ability of a surface to reflect sunlight; high albedo means more reflection.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process that amplifies changes; in climate, increases in temperature lead to more greenhouse gas emissions.

Decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter, which can release greenhouse gases under certain conditions.

Proxy Data

Indirect evidence used to infer climatic conditions, such as ice cores.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of ocean water due to increased CO2 absorption.

Thermocline

The layer in a body of water where temperature changes more rapidly with depth.

Nutrient Upwelling

The movement of nutrient-rich cold water from the depths of the ocean to the surface.

Trade Winds

Dominantly east-to-west winds that influence ocean currents and climate.

El Niño Effect

A climatic event characterized by warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean, disrupting weather.

La Niña Effect

A climatic event that is the opposite of El Niño, associated with cooler ocean temperatures.

Forest Browning

Decline in forest health due to adverse climate effects leading to increased vulnerability to fires.

Coral Bleaching

The loss of color in coral due to stressors like increased temperature and acidity.

Tipping Point

A critical threshold at which a small change can lead to significant and often irreversible effects.

Range Shift

The change in the geographic distribution of a species due to climate factors.

Permafrost

Soil that remains frozen for long periods, influencing carbon emissions when it thaws.

Wetlands

Waterlogged areas that serve as crucial carbon sinks due to slowed decomposition.

Feedback Mechanism

Processes that either amplify or diminish effects in environmental systems.

Climate Resilience

The ability of ecosystems to recover from climate-induced changes.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 to reduce climate change.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into oxygen and glucose.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, important for resilience.

Adaptation

Changes made to cope with new climate conditions.

Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.

Fossil Fuels

Natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar and wind energy.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources that do not deplete them for future generations.

Climate Policy

Regulations and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems and the natural resources needed to sustain it.

Carbon Neutrality

Achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, such as clean water and air.