Understanding the Greenhouse Effect and Ocean Acidification

Greenhouse Effect

Process warming Earth, essential for life.

Solar Radiation

Energy from the Sun, partially absorbed by Earth.

Infrared Energy

Heat energy re-emitted from Earth's surface.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Major greenhouse gas from fossil fuel combustion.

Methane (CH4)

Greenhouse gas emitted from livestock and agriculture.

Water Vapor (H2O)

Natural greenhouse gas, increases with temperature.

Molecular Vibration

Movement of molecules absorbing and radiating energy.

Nitrogen (N2)

Non-greenhouse gas, tightly bonded, does not radiate.

Fossil Fuels

Coal, oil, and gas sources of CO2 emissions.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns.

Extreme Temperature Change

Significant fluctuations in climate conditions.

Weather Patterns

Changes in atmospheric conditions affecting climate.

Drought

Prolonged dry periods leading to water shortages.

Flooding

Excessive water accumulation causing damage.

Glacier Melting

Ice loss contributing to sea level rise.

Sea Level Rise

Increase in ocean levels due to melting ice.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Increased warming due to human activities.

Atmospheric CO2 Levels

Rising CO2 indicating global temperature increase.

Graph Interpretation

Analyzing data trends in climate-related graphs.

Trend Analysis

Identifying patterns over time in data.

Trend

General direction of data movement over time.

Variation

Range of differences in data points from trend.

Climate

Long-term trend in environmental conditions.

Weather

Short-term variation in environmental conditions.

Direct Relationship

One variable increases, the other also increases.

Indirect Relationship

One variable increases, the other decreases.

Seasonal Variation

Cyclical changes in conditions throughout the year.

CO2 Levels

Fluctuate seasonally due to photosynthesis effects.

Photosynthesis

Process reducing CO2 levels during spring months.

Fossil Fuel Burning

Causes overall upward trend in CO2 levels.

Conservation of Mass

Matter cannot be created or destroyed.

Reactants

Substances on the left side of a reaction.

Products

Substances created in a chemical reaction.

Balanced Chemical Equation

Same number and type of atoms on both sides.

Atom

Smallest unit of matter with element properties.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded covalently.

Combustion Reaction

Chemical reaction involving burning of substances.

Methane

Gas burned with oxygen in combustion reactions.

Reaction Rate Factors

Concentration, temperature, and pressure affect reaction speed.

Protons

Positively charged particles in the nucleus.

Neutrons

Neutral particles located in the nucleus.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles in electron cloud.

Ionic Bond

Metal transfers electron to nonmetal for stability.

Covalent Bond

Nonmetals share electrons to complete valence shell.

Atom

Smallest matter unit with element properties.

Ion

Atom with gained or lost electrons.

Anion

Negatively charged ion with extra electrons.

Cation

Positively charged ion with fewer electrons.

Isotope

Atoms with different neutron counts.

Valence Shell

Outermost shell containing valence electrons.

Carbon Sink

Ocean absorbs CO2 from atmosphere.

Carbonic Acid

H2CO3 formed from CO2 and H2O.

Bicarbonate Ion

HCO3- formed from carbonic acid dissociation.

Hydrogen Ion

H+ increases acidity of a solution.

Carbonate Ion

CO32- can bond with calcium for shells.

pH Scale

Measures acidity or basicity of a solution.

Acid

Substance with pH closer to 0.

Base

Substance with pH closer to 14.

Equilibrium

Balance between reactants and products in reactions.

Mitigation

Process to reduce ocean acidification effects.

Kelp

Algae that absorbs CO2, reducing acidification.

Renewable Energy

Energy sources that reduce carbon emissions.

Buffer

Chemical that neutralizes acids or bases.

Lime in Ocean

Bonds with H+ to increase pH.

Buffering Basics

Neutralizes acids/bases to maintain pH around 7.