Chapter 1-8: Climate Science Concepts (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on the scientific method, climate observations, and energy transfer related to Earth’s climate system.

Observation

A factual data point or set of data collected about the natural world, used to form questions and hypotheses.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation or educated guess based on observations; not the final answer.

Theory

A comprehensive explanation of natural phenomena that has withstood extensive testing and can make predictions.

Anomaly

The difference between an observed value and a reference value (often a long-term average).

Temperature anomaly

An anomaly calculated for temperature, indicating deviation from a reference mean (e.g., warm vs. cool relative to baseline).

Time series plot

A graph of a variable over time with time on the x-axis and the variable on the y-axis.

Positive anomaly

An anomaly where the observed value is above the reference mean (e.g., warmer than average).

Negative anomaly

An anomaly where the observed value is below the reference mean (e.g., cooler than average).

Greenhouse gases

Gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to warming.

Global warming

The long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature.

Ramanathan’s prediction

The hypothesis that surface warming due to greenhouse gases would be accompanied by cooling in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere).

Latent heat

Energy absorbed or released during a phase change (e.g., liquid to gas) without a change in temperature.

Heat

The transfer of energy from regions of higher energy to lower energy (not simply a temperature rise).

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules in a substance.

Energy budget

The balance between incoming solar energy and outgoing terrestrial energy that determines planetary temperature.

Conduction

Heat transfer by direct contact, typically within solids or at solid-liquid interfaces.

Convection

Heat transfer by the movement of a fluid (gas or liquid) carrying energy upward or downward.

Radiation

Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, including solar input and Earth’s emitted radiation.

Kelvin

The SI temperature scale starting at absolute zero (0 K) and used in scientific calculations.

Absolute zero

0 Kelvin, the theoretical lowest possible temperature where molecular motion is minimal.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where temperature generally decreases with height.

Elevation

Height above sea level; influences temperature and climate patterns.

Latitude

Distance north or south of the equator; affects climate and temperature distribution.

Precipitation

Any form of water (rain, snow, hail) that falls to Earth’s surface.

Instrumental record

A long-term dataset of measurements collected with scientific instruments to track climate variables.