Climate

Greenhouse effect

Natural process in which certain gases in the atmosphere keep heat near Earth and prevent it from radiating into space

greenhouse gases

gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect; including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), tropospheric ozone (O3), nitrous oxide (NO2), methane (CH4)

Thermohaline circulation

Cool, salty, nutrient-rich water sinks; while warm, fresh, oxygen-rich water rises due to differences in density while cycling

El Nino

change in air pressure, wind patterns, ocean temperature, and ocean circulation in the Pacific Ocean; With weaker equatorial wins and warmer water

La Nina

change in air pressure, wind patterns, ocean temperature, and ocean circulation in the Pacific Ocean; with colder water

topography

Describes surface characteristics of a land area

Global climate change

A widespread change in climate characteristics such as temperature, rainfall, wind patterns, ocean currents, storm frequency/intensity, greenhouse gases, etc.

Global warming

Increase in the Earth's average surface temperature

Proxy indicators

Types of indirect climate evidence that substitute for direct measurement; such as sediment layers, ice cores, tree rings, fossils, etc.

Climate models

Combination of atmospheric and ocean data to simulate or imitate climate processes

Fossil fuels

Fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal; formed millions of years ago from the remains of living things

Carbon footprint

Amount of carbon dioxide emissions that an individual or group is responsible for

Carbon tax

Government enforced pollution fee

Carbon offset

Voluntary payment to another group who will reduce emissions on their behalf instead of reducing/limiting themselves

Carbon sequestration

Captures and stores carbon from emissions

Kyoto protocol

International binding agreement (2005) that sought to limit greenhouse gas emissions; followed up by Paris [Climate] Agreement (2016)

coral bleaching

Dying coral in part due to warmer water and less available algae