Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

Flashcards covering key terms related to greenhouse gases and climate change.

Carbon Cycle

The natural process by which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Atmospheric CO2

Carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere measured in parts per million.

Younger Dryas

A sudden cooling event that occurred approximately 12,900 to 11,700 years ago, marking a return to near ice age conditions.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

Respiration

The process in which living organisms convert oxygen and glucose into energy, producing carbon dioxide as a waste product.

Natural Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, maintaining the planet's temperature suitable for life.

Human Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The increase in the greenhouse effect due to human activities, resulting in additional heat being trapped in the atmosphere.

Feedbacks in the Carbon Cycle

Interactions between climate change and the carbon cycle that can amplify or diminish the effects of climate change.

Carbon Reservoirs

Storage locations of carbon within the Earth system, including the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial biosphere.