Social studies midterm flashcards

Climate Change

Long-term changes in the Earth's climate, including shifts in temperature, weather patterns, and precipitation.

Global Warming

The gradual increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

Climate vs Weather

Climate describes average weather conditions over long periods, while weather is the short-term state of the atmosphere.

Climatologist

A scientist who studies climate and weather patterns over long periods.

Tree Rings

Layers of a tree that indicate past weather and climate changes.

U-Shaped Valleys

Valleys formed by glaciers that provide evidence of past glaciation.

Fossils

Remains of ancient plants and animals that provide insights into past climates.

Ice Cores

Layers of ice that record past temperatures and atmospheric conditions.

Historical Evidence

Old records and artifacts that indicate human interactions with climate.

Adaptation

The process by which living organisms adjust to changes in their environment.

Horseshoe Crab

An ancient species that has survived various climate changes over millions of years.

Cassowary

A large flightless bird facing survival challenges due to habitat loss.

Chambered Nautilus

A marine creature that has remained largely unchanged for 500 million years.

Greenhouse Gas Effect

The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth that protects it and supports life.

Solar Radiation

Energy emitted by the sun in the form of light and heat.

Re-radiated Heat

Heat emitted by the Earth back into the atmosphere after absorbing solar radiation.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space.

Rising Global Temperatures

A consistent increase in average global temperatures over the last century.

Melting Ice

The reduction of glaciers and polar ice caps due to rising temperatures.

Rising Sea Levels

An increase in ocean levels caused by melting ice and thermal expansion.

Extreme Weather Events

An increase in the frequency and severity of weather phenomena linked to climate change.

Ocean Warming and Acidification

The warming of ocean waters and increased acidity due to higher CO2 absorption.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Climate variations caused by volcanic eruptions, solar changes, and ocean currents.

Human Causes of Climate Change

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that contribute to climate change.

Methane (CH₄)

A potent greenhouse gas released during cattle farming, rice cultivation, and fossil fuel production.

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)

A greenhouse gas emitted from fertilizers, industrial activity, and certain engines.

Halocarbons

Strong greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and aerosols that also harm the ozone.

Food Crisis

A situation where a significant number of people face food shortages or unaffordable food prices.

Food Insecurity

The lack of reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food.

Famine

A severe food shortage affecting a large population, potentially leading to starvation.

Food Security

Ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food.

Food Deficit

A situation where a country does not produce enough food to meet its population's needs.

Food Surplus

A condition where a country produces more food than is necessary for its population.

Development

The advancement of a country regarding its economy, education, and healthcare.

Low Income Countries (LICs)

Countries characterized by low gross national income and economic challenges.

High Income Countries (HICs)

Countries with high gross national income and better living conditions.

The Green Revolution

A significant increase in agricultural production due to new farming techniques and crop varieties.

Globalization

The process by which countries and people become more interconnected through trade, technology, and culture.

Transnational Corporations (TNCs)

Companies that operate in multiple countries, often influencing global trade practices.

Exploitation

Unfair treatment or advantage taken, often regarding labor rights in different countries.

Transportation in Globalization

The evolution of travel that facilitates global movement of goods and people.

Communication Technology in Globalization

Advancements in information sharing that enable faster connections around the world.

Sweatshops

Factories where workers endure poor conditions and low wages to produce goods.

Primary Sector

Industry involving resource extraction from nature, such as agriculture and mining.

Secondary Sector

Industry focused on manufacturing and processing raw materials into finished products.

Tertiary Sector

Industry that provides services, including education, healthcare, and retail.

Quaternary Sector

Industry focused on knowledge and information, including research and development.

Climate Change is primarily caused by ________________ activities such as burning fossil fuels.

human

________________ gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse

An increase in ocean levels is referred to as ________________ due to melting ice and thermal expansion.

rising sea levels

A significant increase in agricultural production in the 1960s is known as the ________________ Revolution.

Green

An ancient species, the ________________, has survived various climate changes over millions of years.

horseshoe crab

The study of climate and weather patterns over long periods is conducted by a ________________ .

climatologist

Extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe due to ________________ change.

climate

A situation where a country produces more food than is necessary for its population is called a ________________ .

food surplus

The process of organisms adjusting to environmental changes is known as ________________ .

adaptation

Fossils provide insights into past ________________ conditions and climate changes.

climate

What is climate change?

Long-term changes in the Earth's climate, including shifts in temperature, weather patterns, and precipitation.

What is global warming?

The gradual increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

What distinguishes climate from weather?

Climate describes average weather conditions over long periods; weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions.

Who studies climate?

A climatologist is a scientist who studies climate and weather patterns over long periods.

What do tree rings indicate?

Tree rings indicate past weather and climate changes.

What are U-shaped valleys?

U-shaped valleys are formed by glaciers and provide evidence of past glaciation.

How do fossils inform us about climate?

Fossils are remains of ancient organisms that provide insights into past climates.

What are ice cores?

Ice cores are layers of ice that record past temperatures and atmospheric conditions.

What evidence indicates human interactions with climate?

Historical evidence includes old records and artifacts that indicate human interactions with climate.

What is adaptation in terms of climate change?

Adaptation is the process by which organisms adjust to changes in their environment.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or product.

Renewable Energy

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

Non-Renewable Energy

Energy from sources that are finite and will deplete over time, like coal, oil, and natural gas.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, essential for resilience and stability.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests, often resulting in loss of biodiversity, increased carbon emissions, and disruption of water cycles.

Ozone Layer

A region of the Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) and protects against harmful UV radiation.

Climate Adaptation

Adjusting practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage from the effects of climate change.

Climate Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, adversely affecting ecosystems and human health.

Geothermal Energy

Heat energy generated and stored in the Earth, used for electricity and direct heating applications.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO₂ to mitigate climate change.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or alteration of the natural environment where species live, often leading to extinction.

Eco-Friendly

Products or practices that have minimal impact on the environment and promote sustainability.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban areas becoming significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that is significantly more acidic than natural rain, often due to pollution.

Green Building

Construction methods that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life cycle.

Water Scarcity

A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply in a region.

Fracking

A technique used to extract oil or gas from underground rock formations by injecting high-pressure fluid.

Food Web

A complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem.

Extinction

The permanent disappearance of a species from the Earth's ecosystem.

Greenwashing

Deceptive marketing practices claiming environmental benefits that are not substantiated.

Carbon Neutral

A state of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by balancing emissions produced with those offset.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in water volume caused by warming waters, contributing to rising sea levels.

Atmospheric Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere, influencing weather patterns.

Soil Erosion

The removal of the topsoil layer due to wind, water, or human activity, leading to land degradation.

Circular Economy

An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.

Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A sustainable approach to managing pests by using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods.

Smart Growth

An urban planning approach promoting sustainable and environmentally-friendly communities.

Climate Justice

A social movement seeking to address the unequal impact of climate change on marginalized communities.