GGS 101- Chapter 2 Key Terms

Adiabatic lapse rate

The rate at which temperature decreases with altitude in a dry atmosphere.

Environmental lapse rate

The actual rate at which temperature decreases with altitude in the atmosphere.

Climate

Long-term weather patterns in a region.

Climate change

A significant and lasting change in Earth's climate.

Climographs

Charts that show temperature and precipitation data for a location.

Continental climate

A climate characterized by large temperature variations between summer and winter.

Maritime climate

A climate influenced by the ocean, with milder temperatures and more frequent precipitation.

Monsoon winds

Seasonal winds that blow from the land to the sea in winter and from the sea to the land in summer.

IPCC

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for assessing the science related to climate change.

Bioregions

Geographic areas with distinct ecosystems and biodiversity.

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth.

Plate tectonics

The theory that Earth's outer layer is divided into large plates that move slowly over time.

Convergent plate boundaries

Where two tectonic plates collide, creating mountains or volcanoes.

Divergent plate boundaries

Where two tectonic plates move apart, creating rift valleys.

Transform plate boundaries

Where two tectonic plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Lithosphere

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

Pangaea

A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.

Subduction zone

Where one tectonic plate slides beneath another.

Transform fault

A type of fault that occurs along a transform plate boundary.

Insolation

Solar radiation that reaches Earth's surface.

Greenhouse effect

The process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Reradiate

To emit radiation back into the atmosphere.

Orographic effect

The influence of mountains on weather patterns, causing precipitation on one side and a rain shadow on the other.

Rain shadow

A region of little rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain range.

Anthropogenic

Caused by human activities.

Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Paris Agreement

A global agreement to combat climate change.

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

A method of extracting natural gas and oil from shale rock.

Renewable energy

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydro power.

Proven reserves

The amount of a natural resource that can be extracted economically and technically.

Water stress

A lack of available water resources to meet the needs of a population.

Polar jet stream

A fast-moving current of air that flows near the top of the atmosphere around the polar regions.

Subtropical jet stream

A fast-moving current of air that flows near the top of the atmosphere around the subtropical regions.