Monitoring the Environment: Global Warming and Climate Change

A series of flashcards based on environmental science concepts related to global warming, climate change, and energy.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth's atmosphere due to the absorption of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Increase in Earth's temperature caused by human activities that release excessive amounts of greenhouse gases.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A metric comparing the ability of greenhouse gases to absorb thermal radiation relative to carbon dioxide.

Ocean Acidification

The process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to the absorption of carbon dioxide.

Photosynthesis

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

Aerobic Respiration

The process in which organic compounds release energy in the presence of oxygen.

Carbon-Based Fuels

Fuels derived from organic materials, including fossil fuels and biofuels.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources formed from the decayed remains of ancient plants and animals, including coal, oil, and natural gas.

Biofuels

Renewable energy sources derived from biomass such as plant materials and animal waste.

Renewable Energy

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

Catalytic Converters

Devices in vehicles that reduce harmful emissions by facilitating chemical reactions.

Volumetric Analysis

A quantitative analytical method used to determine the concentration of solutions.

Titration

A laboratory method to determine the concentration of a solute in a solution by reacting it with a standard solution.

Calorimetry

The measurement of heat transfer during a chemical reaction.

Combustion

A reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent, producing heat and often resulting in energy release.

Incomplete Combustion

A combustion process that occurs with insufficient oxygen, producing carbon monoxide and soot.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Devices that convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity, with water as the only byproduct.

Photochemical Smog

A mixture of pollutants formed by the reaction of sunlight with primary pollutants in the atmosphere.

Primary Pollutant

Pollutants that are directly released into the atmosphere, such as CO2 and NOx.

Secondary Pollutant

Pollutants that form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions, such as ozone.