Apes Unit 9: Global Climate Change

A series of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to global climate change, its impacts, and scientific concepts.

Milankovitch Cycles

Predictable variations in Earth's climate caused by changes in orbital parameters such as eccentricity and obliquity.

Foraminifera

Microscopic marine organisms whose shells are used in climate studies to estimate historical temperatures.

Thermohaline Circulation

Global ocean current system driven by differences in water density, influenced by temperature and salinity.

Permafrost

Permanently frozen soil that, when thawed, releases greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide.

Polar Amplification

The phenomenon where polar regions warm faster than other regions due to factors like land and albedo changes.

Albedo Effect

The measure of reflectivity of Earth's surface; darker surfaces absorb more heat, affecting climate.

Ocean Conveyor Belt

A system of ocean currents that transport heat and nutrients around the globe, crucial for climate stability.

Jet Stream

A fast flowing river of air high in the atmosphere that influences weather patterns; can be weakened by temperature changes.

Isotope Concentration

The ratio of different isotopes (like ^{16}O and ^{18}O) used to infer historical temperatures.

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation, which varies with Earth's orbital characteristics and affects climate.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like CO2 and CH4 that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Climate Change Effects

Consequences of climate change including rising temperatures, habitat loss, and increased extreme weather.

Sea Level Rise

Increase in the level of the world's oceans due to ice melt and thermal expansion caused by global warming.

Ecosystems

Communities of living organisms that are affected by climate change, particularly in polar and coastal regions.