Climate Change and Its Effects

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to climate change, its causes, and effects on the biosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

A biological and chemical process that converts nitrogen in the atmosphere into a usable form for living organisms, which can be disrupted by human activity.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH levels of the ocean caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, negatively affecting marine life.

Deforestation

The large-scale removal of trees from forested areas, leading to loss of biodiversity and contributing to climate change.

Climate Change

A long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns, significantly impacting ecosystems and human activities.

Global Warming

A specific aspect of climate change, referring to the increase in mean temperature of the Earth.

Variability in Weather

The fluctuations in weather from day to day, which can increase as the global average temperature rises.

Mean Temperature

The average temperature calculated over a specified period across a region or globally.

Normal Distribution

A statistical function that represents the distribution of variables, often depicted as a bell curve.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming that occurs when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space due to greenhouse gases.

Anthropocene

The current geological epoch during which human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels and organic matter, contributing significantly to global warming.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas that is significantly more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.