Key Terms Chapter 7 - Earth's Climate System

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

A layer of gases that surrounds a planet

Question 2

Climate

Answer 2

Characteristic pattern of weather in a region that is averaged over a period of time. (Includes: precipitation, temperature)

Question 3

Greenhouse effect

Answer 3

Natural warming caused by gases in atmosphere absorbing thermal radiation radiated by the Sun and Earth

Question 4

Albedo

Answer 4

The fraction of incident light/electromagnetic radiation reflected off of the surface of an object

Question 5

Tectonic plate

Answer 5

A piece of earth’s outer shell that moves around on the slowly flowing underlying rock

Question 6

Anthropogenic

Answer 6

Relating to/resulting from influence of humans

Question 7

Biome

Answer 7

Largest division of biosphere, large regions that have similar biotic and abiotic components

Question 8

Ecozone

Answer 8

Division of earths surface developed over long time, is separated by other eco zones by a geological feature

Question 9

Ecoregions

Answer 9

Subdivision of ecozone characterized by local landforms such as plains, lakes, mountains, rivers

Question 10

Global warming

Answer 10

An increase in global average temperature

Question 11

Desertification

Answer 11

Process by which land dries out until no vegetation can survive and becomes a desert

Question 12

Deforestation

Answer 12

Destruction of forests through direct human activity, and indirect effects of climate change, pollution, acid rain