Understanding the Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

A set of flashcards focused on key vocabulary and concepts related to the greenhouse effect, climate change, and their implications on Earth.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, keeping the planet warm.

Shortwave Radiation

Type of solar radiation emitted by the sun, which includes visible light and UV light.

Longwave Radiation

Radiation emitted from heated objects on Earth, perceived as heat, primarily in the infrared spectrum.

Infrared Radiation

A type of longwave radiation that is emitted by objects as they release heat energy.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, which enables the greenhouse effect by retaining heat.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor that contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas produced by combustion and respiration, and absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.

Methane (CH4)

A potent greenhouse gas released during digestion in livestock and through the decomposition of organic matter.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The additional warming of the Earth's atmosphere due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases from human activities.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process where an initial change leads to further changes that amplify the original effect, as seen in global warming.

Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation indicates that one variable directly affects the other.

Climate Change

A long-term change in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Global Warming

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

Tipping Point

The threshold at which a small change can lead to significant and often irreversible effects in a system.

Albedo

The measure of reflectivity of the Earth’s surface, with high albedo surfaces reflecting more sunlight.

Ocean Acidification

The process by which carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, lowering the pH and reducing availability of carbonate ions necessary for coral growth.

Carbon Sink

Natural systems that absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release, such as forests and wetlands.

Deforestation

The clearing or thinning of forests by humans, which impacts carbon storage and contributes to increased atmospheric CO2.

Nutrient Upwelling

The process where cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface to replace warm surface waters, supporting marine life.

El Niño

A climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface waters in the Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean, disrupting normal weather patterns.

La Niña

A climate pattern characterized by cooler-than-average ocean temperatures in the Central and Eastern Pacific that can influence weather patterns.