Global climate change | spring term 2025

Climate System

The interconnected system of the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for weather and climate.

Geosphere

The solid part of the Earth, including the crust, rocks, and mountains.

Hydrosphere

The water component of the Earth, including oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Biosphere

The regions of the Earth occupied by living organisms.

Weather

Describes atmospheric conditions at a specific place and time.

Climate

The average pattern of weather over a long period of time.

Climate Change

Significant changes in temperature and precipitation patterns over extended periods, often due to human activities.

Volcanic Eruptions

Natural events that release gases such as CO2, H2O, and SO2 into the atmosphere.

Atmospheric Composition

The mixture of gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere, primarily nitrogen and oxygen.

Relative Humidity (RH)

The ratio of actual humidity to saturation humidity at the air’s temperature.

Saturation Point

The maximum amount of water vapor that can exist in air.

Heat Capacity

The quantity of heat required to change the temperature of a unit mass of water.

Sea Surface Temperature (SST)

A key variable in climate science referring to the temperature of ocean surface waters.

Salinity

The concentration of salt in water, affecting water density and circulation.

Cryosphere

The frozen water regions of the Earth, including ice sheets, glaciers, and snow.

Trace Gases

Gases in the atmosphere present in low concentrations but are significant for environmental processes.