Wildfires and the Carbon Cycle

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to wildfires, their impact on the carbon cycle, and the associated scientific concepts.

Wildfire

An uncontrolled fire that burns in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie.

Combustion

The process of burning something, which releases carbon back into the atmosphere.

Carbon Cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment.

Carbon Reservoir

A natural system that stores carbon, such as forests.

Albedo

The ability of Earth's surface to reflect sunlight; higher albedo means more solar energy is reflected.

Feedback Loop

A process where the output of a system amplifies or dampens its own operation, often creating a cycle.

Black Carbon (Soot)

A potent short-lived climate forcer that absorbs solar radiation and warms the air.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

A greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to climate change.

Ecosystem Service

The benefits provided by ecosystems, such as carbon storage, that contribute to human well-being.