Climate Review Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the climate review lecture notes.

Conduction

The transfer of heat energy from one molecule to another by direct contact.

Convection

Heat transfer within a fluid due to density differences.

Radiation

Energy is transmitted by heat or energy.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of some of the longer wavelength energy (infrared) by greenhouse gases, thus increasing average temperatures.

Greenhouse Gases

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

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The most important greenhouse gas, primarily emitted from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Angle of Insolation

The angle at which the sun's rays strike a particular location on Earth.

Climograph

A graphical representation of a location's basic climate, displaying monthly average temperature and precipitation.

Albedo Effect

The ability of a surface to reflect sunlight, impacting temperature regulation and climate patterns.

Solar Energy

A renewable source of power that harnesses the sun's rays to generate electricity or heat.

Fossil Fuels

Natural resources formed from ancient plants and animals, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, used primarily for energy production.

Heat Island Effect

Urban areas that are significantly hotter than the surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization.

Insolation

The amount of solar radiation reaching a given area.