Environmental Science - Ozone Depletion and Climate Change

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to ozone depletion and climate change based on the provided lecture notes.

Ozone Layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) and protects living organisms from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons, man-made chemical compounds that deplete the ozone layer.

Greenhouse Effect

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

Greenhouse Gases

Gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Albedo Effect

The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed, affecting temperature.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process in which an initial change will induce further changes that amplify or enhance the initial change.

Permafrost Loss

The melting of permanently frozen ground, which can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Ocean Warming

An increase in ocean temperatures due to climate change, affecting marine ecosystems.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of ocean water caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, competition, and other factors.

HIPPCO

An acronym for Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population (human), Climate change, and Overexploitation, which are critical threats to biodiversity.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process where a large habitat is divided into smaller, isolated patches, affecting species survival.