Geosciences and Environmental Science Concepts

These flashcards cover fundamental vocabulary and concepts related to geosciences and environmental science, designed to enhance understanding and retention of material for upcoming examinations.

Albedo

The fraction of incoming solar radiation that a surface reflects; high albedo (e.g., ice, snow) reflects more energy, while low albedo (e.g., oceans, forests) absorbs more heat.

Thermal Radiation

Energy emitted by objects in the form of electromagnetic waves, mainly infrared radiation from Earth, due to their temperature.

Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, living organisms, and rocks through processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Cryosphere

The frozen water part of Earth’s system, including glaciers, ice caps, sea ice, and permafrost.

Greenhouse Effect

The process where certain gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including CO₂, CH₄ (methane), N₂O, and water vapor.

Glacial Cycle

Long-term fluctuation between colder (glacial) periods and warmer (interglacial) periods in Earth’s climate.

Milankovitch Cycle

Variations in Earth’s orbit and tilt that affect climate over thousands of years.

Negative Feedback

A process that counteracts a change and stabilizes the system, such as increased clouds reflecting sunlight and cooling Earth.

Positive Feedback

A process that amplifies a change and makes it stronger, such as melting ice lowering albedo, causing more warming.

Stratosphere

The atmospheric layer above the troposphere (about 10–50 km high) containing the ozone layer; temperature increases with altitude.

Hydrocarbon Circulation

Global ocean circulation driven by differences in temperature (thermal) and salinity (haline), often referred to as the 'global conveyor belt'.

Acid Rain

Precipitation made acidic by SO₂ and NOₓ emissions reacting with water in the atmosphere.

Coal Types

Different types of coal ranked by carbon content: anthracite (highest, cleanest) and lignite (lowest, least efficient).

Renewable Resource

Resource that replenishes naturally, such as solar and wind energy.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing CO₂ to reduce atmospheric levels.

Ocean Acidity

The increase in ocean acidity due to the absorption of CO₂.

Ozone Depletion

The thinning of the ozone layer due to chemicals like CFCs.

Hydrological Cycle

The movement of water through Earth's systems, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Mass Extinctions

Events where many species die out rapidly, typically caused by environmental changes.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving air and water due to Earth’s rotation.

Meteorite / Chicxulub Crater

Impact linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs, associated with a major meteorite event.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, using carbon dioxide and water.