Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to greenhouse gases, climate change, and the composition and dynamics of Earth's atmosphere.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which Earth's atmosphere traps heat, preventing it from escaping into space.

Escape Velocity

The speed needed to overcome the gravitational pull of an object and leave its atmosphere.

Thermal Velocity

The average speed of gas particles, which depends on temperature and the mass of the particles.

Outgassing

The release of gases from geologic processes, such as volcanic eruptions.

The Great Oxygenation Event

A significant increase in Earth's atmospheric oxygen due to photosynthesis by early lifeforms, particularly cyanobacteria.

Atmospheric Layers

Stratified layers of the atmosphere defined by temperature changes: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Ionosphere.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chemical compounds that deplete stratospheric ozone, leading to ozone layer damage.

Ozone

A molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O3) that absorbs harmful UV radiation from the Sun.

Cyanobacteria

Early photosynthetic microorganisms responsible for producing oxygen and altering the atmosphere.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is released from permafrost and other natural sources.

Industrial Revolution

The period marked by the transition to industrial manufacturing processes, leading to increased fossil fuel combustion.

Hydrocarbon

Organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon; often used as fuel and emit CO2 when burned.

Thermal Inversion

A reversal of normal temperature variation in the atmosphere, where temperature increases with altitude.

Auroras

Natural light displays in the sky, caused by the interaction of solar wind particles with Earth's atmosphere.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus; early forms of life on Earth.

Eukaryotic Cells

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus; evolved later and were better adapted to increased oxygen levels.