ELSS Key terms

water cycle

carbon cycle

continuous movement and storage of carbon atoms between the Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere through physical, chemical and biological processes

global management strategies

tropical rainforest

Tropical rainforests are located 3’ north and south of equator, with an average temperature of 26’C and no distinct seasons.

arctic tundra

High- latitude landmasses just below the ice caps of the Arctic, north of the Arctic circle (66’N), covering 8 million km²

water

vital compound for life and human uses

carbon

vital element used to make up life

long-term climate change

natural climate change over geological timescales (glacial and interglacial cycles).

the projected future of climate change as result of human activity.

land-use changes

negative feedback loop

negative mechanisms return the system to its original state, they reduce disruption and return the system to equilibrium

positive feedback mechanism

positive feedback mechanisms amplify any disruption and can result in the system losing the equilibrium and failing completely.