Natural Events and Human Activities Impacting Climate

A series of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to natural events, human activities, and their impact on climate.

Milankovitch Cycles

Long-term variations in Earth's orbit and axial tilt that influence climatic patterns.

Albedo

The measure of how much solar radiation is reflected by a surface.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Natural Sources of Greenhouse Gases

Cellular respiration, volcanic activity, ocean emissions, and meteor impacts.

Natural Sinks for Carbon Dioxide

Photosynthesis in plants, weathering of rocks, formation of fossil fuels, and ocean absorption.

Glacial Periods

Extended cold periods when ice sheets cover much of the Earth.

Interglacial Periods

Warmer periods between ice ages.

El Niño

A climate pattern characterized by warmer Pacific Ocean waters leading to wetter conditions in the southern US.

La Niña

A climate pattern characterized by cooler Pacific Ocean waters leading to drier conditions in the southern US.

The Carbon Cycle

The continuous process by which carbon is exchanged through the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

Heating Island Effect

The phenomenon where urban areas become warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of ocean water due to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolving in water.

Feedback Loops

Processes that can amplify or diminish the effects of climate change.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in volume of water as it warms, contributing to rising sea levels.

Melting Ice and Sea Level Rise

The process where ice melting contributes to increased sea levels.

Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce the severity of climate change effects.

Wetlands as Carbon Sinks

Ecosystems that store carbon and help reduce flooding and drought by managing water.

Carbon Dioxide Absorption

The process through which urban trees and forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Nuclear Power

A low-emission energy source that provides continuous power, considered essential for addressing climate change.