Climate Change and Greenhouse Effect Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes concerning atmospheric chemistry, the greenhouse effect, and historical climate trends.

Ozone (Upper Atmosphere)

A layer in the stratosphere that protects the Earth by absorbing UV radiation.

Ozone (Lower Atmosphere)

A harmful component of smog that causes respiratory problems and other health issues.

HCFCs

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons; chemical compounds that contain hydrogen atoms and are less stable than CFCs.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons; stable chemicals that break down in the upper atmosphere, damaging the ozone layer and contributing to global warming.

Greenhouse Effect

The process where radiation entering the atmosphere is absorbed by the surface and greenhouse gases, warming the Earth.

Industrial Revolution

The historical era marking the start of significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

Carbon-14

An isotope scientists monitor to determine if carbon increases are caused by human activities as opposed to natural sources.

$$1^\circ C$$

The approximate temperature increase of the Earth since the Industrial Revolution.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process where melting permafrost releases organic matter that decomposes into carbon dioxide and methane, accelerating warming.

Ice core samples

Samples taken from ancient ice used to provide a historical record of past climate conditions and gas concentrations.

Livestock emissions

Methane produced by farm animals that can be reduced through dietary changes, improved farming practices, and methane capture.

$120$ years

The timeframe between 1880 and 2000 during which carbon levels rose from $280\text{ ppm}$ to $400\text{ ppm}$.

$20,000$ years

The amount of time it took for carbon to increase by $100\text{ ppm}$ during the last ice age.