Climate Change and Ecosystems

A set of flashcards covering vocabulary related to climate, weather, biospheres, and their impacts on ecosystems.

Weather

Refers to the environmental conditions that occur at a particular place and time.

Climate

The average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time, usually a minimum of 30 years.

Biosphere

The relatively thin layer of Earth that supports life.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases extending outward from the Earth's surface, about 300 km.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

Hydrosphere

The combined mass of water found on, under, and over the surface of a planet.

Climatologists

Scientists who study climate and understand meteorology.

Solar Radiation

Energy from the sun, which drives weather and climate patterns.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs.

Stratosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.

Thermosphere

A layer of the atmosphere characterized by very high temperatures due to solar activity.

Canadian Biomes

The various ecological areas in Canada, each defined by its climate and vegetation, including tundra and boreal forest.

Climatographs

Graphs that show average monthly temperatures and precipitation.

Elevation

The height of a location above sea level, which can affect climate.

Latitude

The distance north or south of the equator, which influences temperature and climate.

Air Pressure

The force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the air above that surface.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground.

Ozone Layer

A layer in the stratosphere containing a high concentration of ozone, which absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.