The Physical Environment

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on the physical environment and climate systems.

Ecology

The scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment.

Environment

The surroundings in which an organism lives, including both abiotic and biotic components.

Abiotic

Non-living physical and chemical factors in an environment (e.g., temperature, water, nutrients).

Biotic

Living components of an environment (organisms, plants, microbes).

Ecological Niche

Abiotic and biotic conditions required by a species to survive, grow, and reproduce.

Climate

The long-term description of weather patterns in a region, including averages and variation.

Weather

Current atmospheric conditions (temperature, precipitation, humidity, cloud cover, etc.).

Solar Radiation

Energy from the sun that heats the Earth and drives climate.

Incoming Solar Radiation (Shortwave)

Shortwave solar radiation reaching Earth; a portion is reflected and a portion is absorbed.

Outgoing Energy

Heat energy leaving the Earth's surface, including sensible heat, latent heat, and long-wave radiation.

Sensible Heat

Heat exchanged by conduction and convection that changes the temperature of a substance.

Latent Heat

Heat absorbed or released during phase changes (e.g., evaporation, condensation) without a temperature change.

Long-wave Radiation

Infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface and atmosphere; part of the outgoing energy.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Effect

Natural warming caused by greenhouse gases; without it Earth would be cooler by about 33°C.

Atmospheric Circulation

Global movement of air driven by differential heating, creating major climate zones.

Prevailing Winds

Consistent patterns of wind due to pressure differences and Earth's rotation.

Coriolis Effect

Deflection of moving air and water caused by Earth's rotation.

Low Pressure

Warm, rising air that often condenses to form precipitation; associated with wet conditions.

High Pressure

Dry, cool, sinking air leading to arid conditions.

Global Wind Patterns

Large-scale patterns of air flow formed by pressure gradients and the Coriolis effect.

Upwelling

Movement of cold, nutrient-rich water from depth to the surface, boosting productivity.

Downwelling

Sinking of surface water, transporting surface oxygen to depth.

Photic Zone

Sunlit layer of the ocean where photosynthesis occurs.

Chlorophyll

Pigment used in photosynthesis; high concentrations indicate productive areas.

Thermohaline Circulation

Density-driven global ocean circulation controlled by temperature and salinity.

Ocean Surface Currents

Water movements at the ocean surface driven mainly by wind; slowed by landmasses.

El Niño

Phase of ENSO with warmer-than-average Pacific surface temperatures and altered weather patterns.

La Niña

Phase of ENSO with cooler-than-average Pacific surface temperatures, often with opposite patterns to El Niño.

ENSO

El Niño–Southern Oscillation; irregular climate pattern including El Niño, La Niña, and neutral phases.

Salinity

Concentration of dissolved salts in seawater; a key chemical property of the ocean.

pH

A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is (0–14 scale).

Albedo

Reflectivity of a surface; higher albedo means more reflected solar radiation.

Evapotranspiration

Water loss from land via evaporation from soil and transpiration from plants.

ITCZ

Intertropical Convergence Zone; zone near the equator of maximum solar radiation and uplift, driving wet/dry seasons.

Rain-shadow Effect

Regional climate effect where mountains cause moisture to drop on the leeward side, creating arid conditions.

Maritime Climate

Regionally moderated climate due to proximity to the ocean.

Continental Climate

Climate with greater temperature variation due to distance from the sea.

Lapse Rate

Rate at which air temperature decreases with increasing altitude.

Albedo Effects

Concept that surfaces with high reflectivity reduce heat absorption and affect local climate.

Albedo and Evapotranspiration in Deforestation

Deforestation alters surface reflectivity and water loss, impacting local climate.

Biomes Related to Altitude

Ecological zones such as alpine, tundra, montane forest, coniferous forest, deciduous forest, tropical forest, Arctic tundra.

Lake Turnover

Seasonal mixing in temperate lakes driven by temperature-driven density changes.

Hypoxic

Low-oxygen conditions in water, which can lead to harmful chemical processes like H2S formation.