Energy and Climate Change

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to energy and climate change, providing definitions and explanations to aid in understanding the material.

Climate

The study of a region’s atmospheric conditions over a long period of time.

Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by 1°C.

Evaporation

The change of water from liquid to vapor.

Transpiration

The release of water vapor by plants.

Evapotranspiration

The combined effect of evaporation and transpiration.

Orographic Effect

Changes in climate caused by mountain barriers.

Global Wind Patterns

Air movement caused by the uneven heating of Earth by the Sun.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of air movement due to Earth's rotation.

Albedo

The reflecting power of a surface.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases.

El Niño

A recurring ocean current that shifts trade winds and precipitation patterns in the Pacific Ocean.

La Niña

A climate pattern that describes the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.

Thermohaline Circulation

Ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Climate Change

A significant change in climate patterns that lasts decades.

Mass Extinction Events

Periods when a substantial number of species become extinct.

Oceans Warming

The increase in temperature of ocean water over time.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas associated with petroleum refining and agriculture.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Lake-Effect Snowstorms

Snowstorms that form when cold air moves over warm lakes.

Deserts

Areas around 30ºN and 30ºS characterized by low precipitation.

Rainforests

Biomes located around the Equator with high precipitation.

Planetary Wind Belts

Patterns of wind that influence climate by affecting ocean currents.

Specific Latent Heat

Energy absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance.

Precipitation

Water that falls from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Longitudinal Temperature Gradient

The difference in temperature between different latitudes.

Evaporation vs. Condensation

Evaporation is the transition from liquid to vapor; condensation is the transition from vapor to liquid.

Cold Currents

Ocean currents that bring colder water from polar regions.

Warm Currents

Ocean currents that bring warmer water from tropical regions.

Climate Zones

Different areas of the world that have distinct climate characteristics.

Polar Climates

Climates characterized by cold temperatures and little precipitation.

Tropical Climates

Climates characterized by warm temperatures and high precipitation.

Ocean Currents

Continuous, directed movements of seawater generated by various factors.

Energy Efficiency

Using less energy to perform the same task or produce the same outcome.

Alternative Energy

Energy sourced from renewable resources, rather than fossil fuels.

Extreme Weather

Severe or unusual weather conditions that are significantly different from normal.

Drought

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall.

Greenhouse Gases

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

Sea Level Rise

The increase in the level of the world's oceans due to climate change.

Glaciers

Large masses of ice and snow that accumulate over time.

Climate Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual or organization.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Atmospheric Circulation

The large-scale movement of air through the atmosphere.

Thermal Inertia

The resistance of a body to change its temperature.

Radial Circulation

Flow patterns around a central point that can influence weather.

Solar Altitude

The angle of the sun above the horizon.

Evaporation Process

The conversion of water from liquid to vapor through heat.

Water Vapor

Water in its gaseous state, which contributes to cloud formation.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of the Earth's oceans due to uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Coral Bleaching

The loss of color in corals due to stress factors, such as increased water temperature.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in water volume due to warming.

Permafrost Thawing

The melting of permanently frozen ground due to rising temperatures.

Fossil Fuels

Natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Climate Resilience

The capacity to recover quickly from climate-related impacts.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources that do not deplete them for future generations.

Environmental Impact

The effect of human activities on the environment.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations.

Green Infrastructure

Infrastructure that uses natural systems to provide ecological benefits.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban areas that become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline in the number and variety of species in a given habitat.

Air Pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that maintain productivity without harming the environment.