Climate Change Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts from the climate change lecture notes.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the atmosphere that absorb and reradiate heat, warming the lower atmosphere.

Climate vs. Weather

Weather is day-to-day conditions, while climate is overall, long-term patterns.

Source of Earth's Heat

The sun is the primary source of heat for the Earth.

Outcomes of Heat Hitting Earth

The sun's energy can be absorbed or reflected by things on the surface or in the atmosphere.

Most Common Greenhouse Gases

Water vapor (natural), CO₂ (both), nitrous oxide (natural), methane (both), CFCs (man-made).

which greenhouse gas has the highest gwp

CFC's

what is the mostAbundant Greenhouse Gas

Water vapor

Greenhouse Gas of Concern

CO2 because we are adding so much of it in our atmosphere.

Too Many Greenhouse Gases

It would be too hot.

Too Few Greenhouse Gases

If there are too few greenhouse gases, it would be too cold.

Data Sources for Past Climates

Ice cores, fossils, tree rings, and seafloor sediment are used to determine past climates.

Climate Change Warming Impacts

Farming (food supply decreases), water supply (loss of drinking water), sea levels (mass flooding), polar ice caps (sea levels rise), oceans (coral bleaching), animal populations (extinction).

Ocean Acidification

When CO₂ dissolves into the ocean making it acidic. Sea creatures lose their ability to make their protective shells.

Coral Bleaching

Coral loses its pigment because of temperature changes and dies.

Reasons for Sea Level Rise

Ice caps melting & thermal expansion (warming water expands).

Impacts of Climate Change on Basic Needs

Climate change will affect food (less available), water (lack of freshwater), and shelter/usage to keep farms growing.

Data Sources Time Scale

Fossils (longest), seafloor sediment, ice cores, and tree rings (shortest).

Ice Cores

They measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. More CO₂, higher temperature.

Sea Floor Sediments Measurement

Measure oxygen isotopes which measures temperatures of ocean water

Tree Rings

Thin tree rings indicate extreme temperatures and little moisture, while wide rings indicate normal temperatures and lots of moisture.

Fossils

They tell us what the climate was like back then.

Potential Causes of Climate Change

Plate tectonics, volcano eruptions, orbital changes, and human activity.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Plate tectonics, volcano eruptions, and orbital changes.

Variations in Earth's Orbit

Change in the shape of Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble of the Earth's axis.