C: Earth Systems Flashcards
What are three ways Earth’s systems interact with the Sun to impact climate?
• clouds reflecting sunlight into space
• greenhouse gases trapping heat from the Sun
• ice reflecting light from the Sun
These interactions contribute to the overall climate conditions on Earth.
What do humans rely on for a habitable climate?
The Sun and Earth’s systems
The Sun provides energy, while Earth’s systems regulate temperature and weather patterns.
List four geographical location factors that affect climate.
• latitude
• proximity to a large body of water
• elevation
• urban or rural setting
These factors influence temperature, precipitation, and overall climate conditions.
What are two natural processes that can cause changes in climate?
• volcanic eruptions
• meteors
These events can lead to significant alterations in atmospheric conditions.
What human activities can cause changes in climate?
• industrialization
• pollution
These activities increase greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
What contributes to the warming of Earth?
The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
Greenhouse gases trap heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures.
How can clean energy production impact greenhouse gas production?
It has the potential to reduce net greenhouse gas production
Clean energy sources generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.
Fill in the blank: Personal actions that can help address human causes of global climate change include reducing personal _______.
consumption and waste
Reducing consumption and waste helps lower individual carbon footprints.
What are two personal actions that can contribute to addressing climate change?
• planting a garden or buying local produce
• using clean, affordable, and reliable energy sources responsibly
These actions promote sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
True or False: Complex interactions between humans, Earth’s systems, and the Sun can impact climate and climate change.
True
Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective climate change strategies.
What are some effects of climate change on weather?
Weather and extreme weather events
Climate change can lead to increased frequency and severity of weather-related events.
How does climate change impact migration patterns?
Affects migration patterns
Changes in climate can alter where species and populations move.
What resources can be affected by climate change?
Water resources
Climate change can lead to scarcity or excess of water in different regions.
What is one effect of climate change on forests?
Increased frequency of forest fires
Higher temperatures and drought conditions can lead to more forest fires.
List some agricultural practices impacted by climate change.
- Crop selection
- Crop production
- Harvesting periods and yields
- Irrigation
- Pest management
These changes can affect food security and farming sustainability.
How have traditional ways of living been impacted by climate change?
Impacted hunting and gathering practices
Communities like First Nations, Métis, and Inuit face challenges due to climate changes.
What is one consequence of rising sea levels due to climate change?
Changing migration patterns
Coastal communities may need to relocate or adapt their practices.
What access issues have arisen from climate change?
Access to hunting, harvesting, and fishing
Changing ecosystems can limit traditional access for indigenous communities.
What are some theories about the extinction of dinosaurs?
- Worldwide climate change
- Catastrophic meteoric event
- Volcanic activity
Each theory suggests a significant environmental disruption.
How can climate change affect land and plants?
Affects land, plants, humans, and other animals
Ecosystems are interconnected and changes can have widespread effects.
What is climate change identified through?
Long-term observation and measurement of weather conditions
This includes precipitation, temperature, and extreme weather events.
What environmental conditions are measured to identify climate change?
• Sea and ocean levels
• Thickness and duration of sea ice
• Permafrost changes
• Number of forest fires
These indicators help assess the impact of climate change.
What are some sources of climate observations?
• Recorded information
• Oral narratives
• Surface layers, including ice, from different time periods on Earth
These sources provide historical and current data on climate.
Name three extreme weather events that occur on Earth.
• Heatwaves
• Hurricanes
• Monsoons
These events are indicators of climate variability.
