Causes and Processes of Climate Change Flashcards
Focus on the mechanisms, phenomena, and human activities contributing to climate change. (19 cards)
What does the word “Anthropogenic Causes” mean?
Human activities that contribute to climate change, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Sentence Example: Anthropogenic causes are the primary drivers of global warming today.
Climate vs. weather
Climate: long-term atmospheric conditions
Weather: short-term variations.
Sentence Example: Understanding climate vs. weather is crucial for predicting seasonal changes.
Natural Greenhouse Effect
The process by which certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.
Sentence Example:
The natural greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining Earth’s temperature.
Sun spots
Temporary phenomena on the Sun’s surface that can affect solar radiation and climate patterns.
Sentence Example:
Sun spots can influence climate variability over decades.
Milankovitch cycles
Long-term changes in Earth’s orbit and tilt that affect climate over thousands of years.
Sentence Example:
Milankovitch cycles play a significant role in the timing of ice ages.
Volcanoes & Global dimming
Volcanic eruptions can release ash and gases that temporarily cool the Earth and reduce sunlight.
Sentence Example:
Global dimming from volcanoes can lead to short-term climate cooling.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
The increase in Earth’s average temperature due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
Sentence Example:
The enhanced greenhouse effect is a major concern for climate scientists.
Fossil fuels
Fuels formed from the remains of ancient organisms, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
Sentence Example:
The reliance on fossil fuels is a key factor in climate change.
Biomass
Organic material used as a renewable energy source, derived from plant and animal matter.
Sentence Example:
Biomass can be a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for energy.
Greenhouse gases
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Sentence Example: Reducing greenhouse gases is essential to mitigate climate change.
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
A greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels and deforestation, contributing to global warming.
Sentence Example:
Carbon dioxide levels have reached record highs due to industrial activities.
Methane
A potent greenhouse gas emitted during the production of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock.
Sentence Example:
Methane has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide.
Nitrous oxide
A greenhouse gas released from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels.
Sentence Example:
Nitrous oxide contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect.
Carbon Emissions
The release of carbon, mainly in the form of CO2, into the atmosphere from human activities.
Reducing carbon emissions is critical for achieving climate goals.
Carbon emissions per capita
The average amount of carbon emissions produced per person in a given area.
Sentence Example:
Carbon emissions per capita vary significantly between developed and developing countries.
Albedo / Albedo effect
The measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface; higher albedo means more reflection.
Sentence Example:
The albedo effect influences local climate, especially in polar regions.
Tundra climate
A cold, treeless region characterized by permafrost and low vegetation, typically found in polar areas.
Sentence Example:
The tundra climate is sensitive to changes in global temperatures.
Positive / feedback loop
A cycle where an initial change causes further changes that amplify the original effect.
Sentence Example:
The melting of ice creates a positive feedback loop in climate change.
The North Atlantic Current
A warm ocean current that influences climate in Europe and North America.
Sentence Example:
The North Atlantic Current helps moderate temperatures in Western Europe.
