Atmosphere 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to climate change, sustainability, weather, and atmospheric science.

Climate

Long-term pattern of weather.

Weather

Short-term state of the atmosphere.

Extreme Weather Events

An increase in the intensity and frequency of severe weather phenomena due to climate change.

Solar Irradiation

The power of solar radiation received per unit area, which drives the Earth's climate.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in Earth's temperature.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time relative to CO2.

Atmospheric Ozone

A layer of ozone formed by oxygen molecules that absorb ultraviolet radiation.

Radiative Efficiency

The ability of greenhouse gases to absorb energy and contribute to warming.

Convection

The movement caused within a fluid due to temperature differences, resulting in the transfer of heat.

Ozone Destruction

Caused primarily by the release of chlorinated fluorocarbons, which has led to the expansion of the ozone hole.