Global Climate Change

These flashcards cover key terms related to global climate change, the Earth's atmosphere, and their impacts on ecosystems and human activities.

Layers of the Atmosphere

The distinct layers that make up the Earth's atmosphere, including the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and more.

The Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping back into space.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system.

Permafrost

Ground that remains completely frozen for at least two consecutive years, particularly in polar regions.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process in which an initial change causes effects that reinforce that change, such as melting ice leading to more heat absorption and further warming.

Hadley Cells

Large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns created by rising warm air in the tropics and descending cooler air at higher latitudes.

Ocean Conveyor Belt

A system of ocean currents that transports heat and nutrients around the globe, influencing climate and marine ecosystems.

Thermal Expansion

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

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas released from thawing permafrost, having a much stronger warming effect than CO2.

Jet Stream

Fast flowing air currents high in the atmosphere that influence weather patterns; affected by global warming.

Rising Sea Levels

Increase in ocean water levels due to glacial melt and thermal expansion, threatening coastal regions.

CO2 Concentration

The amount of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere, measured in parts per million (ppm), essential for understanding climate change.