climate change test Flashcards
(21 cards)
what two forms of sun radiation are there?
visible light and ultraviolet light
The sun rays strike the earth and warm it. the heat is remitted as ___________________.
infrared radiation
Incoming solar radiation consists primarily of UV and _______________
visible light
How much of the solar radiation is reflected back into space?
1/3
The remaining solar radiation (that doesn’t go back to space) is absorbed by ________
clouds
Infrared radiation is absorbed by ______________, then radiates the infrared energy back towards the surface of the planet.
greenhouse gases
what is the most common greenhouse gas?
water vapor
CFCs contain….
chlorine, fluorine, carbon
natural sources of greenhouse gases include….
volcanic eruptions, decomposition, digestion, denitrification, evaporation, etc.
what is albedo?
how much sun is reflected into space
what are positive feedbacks?
small fluctuations in inputs that lead to large observed effects.
what are negative feedbacks?
processes that accelerate or decelerate warming- help balance the climate
what is saltwater intrusion?
the movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers
what is thermohaline circulation?
a global system of deep ocean currents driven caused by temperature and salinity
what does CITIES do?
controls the international trade of threatened plants and animals
what is the endangered species act?
implements cities, determines which species are endangered, and purchases land that is critical to species survival
what is the lacey act?
forbids interstate shipping of all illegally harvested plants/animals
what is the Montreal protocol?
phases out the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer, such as CFCs
what is the Kyoto protocol?
an international treaty that obligates industrialized countries and economies in transition to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
where is good ozone located?
stratosphere
