Unit 9 Stuff You Should Know with Solutions

A set of flashcards based on key concepts related to environmental science topics covered in the lecture notes.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, causing temperatures to rise.

Melting Ice Sheets

Contributes to changes in ocean currents by introducing cold fresh water, decreasing temperature and salinity.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Man-made compounds that introduce chlorine into the atmosphere, breaking down ozone.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty in 1987 agreeing to phase out CFC production to protect the ozone layer.

Ozone in Troposphere vs Ozone in Stratosphere

Tropospheric ozone contributes to photochemical smog, while stratospheric ozone absorbs harmful UV radiation.

Most Abundant Greenhouse Gases

Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs, ranked by increasing warming potential.

Sources of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Primarily from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.

Sources of Methane (CH4)

Mainly from decomposition and livestock.

Sources of Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Primarily from denitrification in soil due to excessive fertilizer use.

Sources of CFCs

Originally used in aerosols and refrigerants.

Impact of Sea Level Rise

Flooding of coastal ecosystems, destroying habitats and decreasing photosynthesis.

Roads and Pipelines Impact on Habitats

Fragment habitats, isolating organisms and increasing death risks due to accidents or spills.

Impact of Increased Atmospheric Temperatures on Tropical Diseases

Expands the range of disease vectors further away from the equator.

Intensity of Severe Weather Events

Increased atmospheric energy leads to more severe weather events.

Impact of CO2 on Ocean pH

Higher CO2 levels result in more carbonic acid formation, decreasing ocean pH.

Method to Decrease CO2 in Oceans

Transitioning to alternative energy sources such as nuclear, wind, or solar.

How CO2 Affects Calcium Carbonate Availability

Increased CO2 leads to more hydrogen ions, reducing available carbonate for marine organisms' exoskeletons.

Characteristics of Invasive Species

Generalists, r-strategists, and lack natural predators in new habitats.

Characteristics of Endangered Species

Niche specialists, small populations, often k-selected, and generally higher trophic levels.