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P1 Environmental Science Aqa A Level > Global Climate Change (p1) > Flashcards

Global Climate Change (p1) Flashcards

(54 cards)

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1
Q

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

The increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities, leading to greater heat retention and global warming.

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2
Q

Name the gases responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect.

A
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
  • Methane (CH4)
  • Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
  • CFCs
  • Tropospheric Ozone (O3)
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3
Q

What are the main human sources of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?

A
  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Deforestation
  • Respiration
  • farming
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4
Q

What is the approximate relative effect per molecule of Methane (CH4)?

A

30

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5
Q

What is the approximate relative effect per molecule of Nitrous Oxide (N2O)?

A

160

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6
Q

True or False: Most greenhouse gases have both natural and human sources.

A

True

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7
Q

What is the net effect of increasing human sources and decreasing natural sinks of greenhouse gases?

A

Emissions now exceed the amount that can be absorbed.

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8
Q

What are the three main factors affecting the greenhouse effect?

A
  • Human activities
  • Natural processes
  • Atmospheric conditions
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9
Q

Fill in the blank: The greenhouse effect is the natural _______ of outgoing, longwave radiation by gases in the atmosphere.

A

trapping

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10
Q

What are the two main causes of sea level rise due to global warming?

A
  • Thermal expansion of seawater
  • Melting land ice
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11
Q

What does the term ‘mean sea level’ refer to?

A

The average height of the sea over a long period of time.

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12
Q

How does global climate change affect the cryosphere?

A
  • Rapid melting of snow and ice
  • Reduction in snow cover
  • Changes in ice thickness and area
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13
Q

What is the impact of reduced snow cover on temperature?

A

It reduces albedo, leading to more sunlight being absorbed and further increases in temperature.

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14
Q

What changes can occur in wind patterns due to global warming?

A
  • Jet streams may weaken
  • Weather systems may remain stationary
  • Increased intensity of weather events
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15
Q

What is the Coriolis Effect?

A

The deflection of moving air masses due to the rotation of the Earth.

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16
Q

What is the North Atlantic Conveyor (Gulf Stream)?

A

A warm ocean current that travels from the tropical Atlantic Ocean towards Northwestern Europe.

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17
Q

How might global warming disrupt the North Atlantic Conveyor?

A

Increased freshwater from melting ice could block the formation of sea ice, disrupting the sinking of cold, salty water.

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18
Q

What are the consequences of El Niño events?

A
  • Droughts in NE Africa, S Africa & China
  • Fewer hurricanes in the North Atlantic
  • Increased rainfall in coastal parts of South America
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19
Q

Fill in the blank: La Niña occurs when winds blow more strongly in the _______ direction.

A

normal

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20
Q

What are some possible ecological changes due to climate change?

A
  • Changes in species distribution
  • Altered timing of ecological events
  • Increased competition among species
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21
Q

How does climate change impact human health?

A

Increased risks from heat waves and changes in disease vector distribution.

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22
Q

What effects does climate change have on food supplies?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Changes in crop species
  • Reduced water for irrigation
  • Increased pest damage
23
Q

What are the main consequences of sea level rise?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Flooding of low-lying areas
  • Increased coastal erosion
  • Habitat changes
24
Q

What are some health impacts of climate change?

Study These Flashcards
A

Health problems from heat waves, disease vectors changing their distribution, e.g., malarial mosquitoes spreading to new areas

Health impacts include heart disease and respiratory problems due to increased heat.

25
How does climate change affect water supplies?
Increased droughts and floods ## Footnote Changes in precipitation patterns can lead to severe water shortages.
26
What are the impacts of climate change on food supplies?
Change in crop species, reduced water for irrigation, increased pest damage ## Footnote This can threaten food security and increase prices.
27
What infrastructure impacts can climate change have?
Road heat stress, track buckling, flood risks from drainage issues, landslides, bridge damage ## Footnote Changes in temperature and rainfall can significantly disrupt transportation and infrastructure.
28
What is dynamic equilibrium in the context of Earth's radiation?
The balance between the amount of radiation reaching the Earth and that which leaves it ## Footnote This includes infrared radiation absorbed and emitted by the surface and atmosphere.
29
Which latitudes receive a net surplus of radiation?
Latitudes between 0 degrees and 30 degrees ## Footnote The poles experience a net heat deficit.
30
What are the key components of feedback mechanisms in climate change?
Positive feedback mechanisms amplify changes, while negative feedback mechanisms resist changes ## Footnote Both types of feedback can influence climate stability.
31
What is an example of a negative feedback mechanism?
Cloud albedo effect ## Footnote Increased cloud cover reflects sunlight, cooling the atmosphere.
32
What is an example of a positive feedback mechanism?
Release of CO2 from decomposing organic matter ## Footnote Higher temperatures increase decomposition rates, releasing more CO2.
33
What is runaway climate change?
A positive feedback mechanism where the feedback becomes continuous without the need for original human action ## Footnote A tipping point may be reached, making it difficult to reverse climate change.
34
What are some gaps in our knowledge regarding climate change predictions?
Lack of understanding of natural processes, insufficient historical data, and the interaction of factors with different rates of change ## Footnote These gaps complicate accurate climate predictions.
35
What is proxy data?
Data used to estimate a factor that cannot be measured by relating it to a measurable factor ## Footnote Examples include ice cores, tree rings, and sediment analysis.
36
What historical climate data indicates about CO2 levels?
Carbon dioxide and methane levels are now the highest they have been for 440,000 years ## Footnote There is a close match between CO2 levels and air temperature over time.
37
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
An international agreement to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% of 1990 levels ## Footnote Developed countries are legally bound, while developing countries do not have limits.
38
What is a key element of the Paris Agreement?
To keep global temperatures well below 2.0C above pre-industrial levels ## Footnote The agreement involves reviewing contributions to emission reductions every five years.
39
True or False: The USA ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
False ## Footnote The US withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, arguing it unfairly targeted developed countries.
40
How many countries have signed the Paris Agreement?
196 countries ## Footnote The Paris Agreement aims to combat climate change on a global scale.
41
What is the main goal of the Paris Agreement regarding global temperatures?
To keep global temperatures 'well below' 2.0C and limit them to 1.5C ## Footnote This goal is set relative to pre-industrial times.
42
What is required of countries under the Paris Agreement every five years?
To review each country's contribution to cutting emissions ## Footnote This aims to ensure that efforts scale up to meet climate challenges.
43
What is 'climate finance' as mentioned in the Paris Agreement?
Financial assistance from rich countries to poorer nations for climate change adaptation and renewable energy ## Footnote This support is crucial for developing countries facing climate challenges.
44
What is a method to reduce CO2 emissions?
Reduction in fossil fuel use ## Footnote This can be achieved through energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable sources.
45
What is one technique for carbon sequestration?
Afforestation ## Footnote This process captures carbon dioxide in trees through photosynthesis.
46
What strategy can reduce CH4 emissions from landfills?
Increase recycling and reduce food waste ## Footnote This helps minimize methane production from decomposing organic matter.
47
How can NOx emissions be reduced in vehicles?
By increasing the percentage of fuel to air ## Footnote This improves combustion efficiency and reduces nitrogen oxide formation.
48
What is a method to control tropospheric ozone?
Processes that reduce NOx emissions ## Footnote Reducing NOx also limits ozone formation in the lower atmosphere.
49
What alternatives can be used to reduce CFC emissions?
Butane & propane in aerosol cans, HFCs and HCFCs in fridges ## Footnote These alternatives are less harmful to the ozone layer.
50
What does carbon capture and storage (CCS) involve?
Capture CO2, transport it, and store it in geological formations ## Footnote This technology aims to mitigate CO2 emissions from industrial processes.
51
What is geoengineering?
Technologies that might control processes to reduce greenhouse effect ## Footnote These methods are experimental and may cause environmental damage.
52
What type of building design is necessary to adapt to climate change?
Design to cope with raised temperatures and increased storms ## Footnote This includes features like better insulation and storm-resistant structures.
53
Fill in the blank: _______ control is necessary for managing flood risks.
Flood ## Footnote Effective flood control measures are essential in climate change adaptation.
54
What is a potential adaptation for urban areas facing climate change?
Permeable urban surfaces ## Footnote These surfaces help manage stormwater and reduce flooding.

P1 Environmental Science Aqa A Level (19 decks)

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