Global Climate Change

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to global climate change, including definitions of key terms and concepts.

Climate

Long-term averages of temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and ocean currents.

Paleoclimatology

The study of past climates using methods such as ice cores, ocean sediments, and tree rings.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases, such as CO2 and methane, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that is released through natural processes like respiration and human activities such as fossil fuel combustion.

Acidification

The process by which water becomes more acidic, affecting marine life such as corals and shelled organisms.

Coring

The technique used to extract long cylinders of Earth's crust for study, revealing insights into past geology and climate.

Arctic Amplification

The phenomenon where the Arctic region is warming at a faster rate than the global average due to climate change.

Methane (CH4)

A potent greenhouse gas released through natural processes and human activities, significantly contributing to climate change.

Permafrost

Ground that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years, affected by temperature changes due to climate change.

Sea Level Rise

The increase in ocean levels due to melting ice and thermal expansion of water, affecting coastal communities.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH levels of the ocean due to increased CO2 absorption, harming marine life.

Mitigation Strategies

Approaches aimed at reducing or stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

Adaptation Strategies

Plans and methods developed to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Heat Content Change

The increase in thermal energy within ocean layers, indicating rising ocean temperatures.