LESSON 5 Flashcards
the range of global phenomena caused by burning fossil fuels that add heat-trapping gases to the Earth’s atmosphere.
Climate change
refers to Earth’s upward trend in temperature due to the greenhouse effect.
Global warming
What causes global warming?
Greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate infrared radiation, warming Earth.
What are examples of natural greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxides (NOₓ).
What are examples of man-made greenhouse gases?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆).
How does deforestation contribute to global warming?
It releases CO₂ and destroys habitats, affecting biodiversity.
How does melting polar ice caps affect the environment?
It dilutes ocean salt, disrupts currents, raises sea levels, and changes albedo.
What is albedo and how does it affect Earth’s temperature?
Albedo is the reflection of sunlight; snow has high albedo. Less snow means more heat is absorbed.
How does global warming affect animals like polar bears?
They lose habitat and food sources due to melting ice.
How does climate change spread diseases?
It increases migration of species including disease-carrying insects.
What is the role of the ozone layer?
It protects Earth from harmful UV rays.
What causes ozone depletion?
Free radicals like chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) from aerosols and refrigerants.
Why is bromine more dangerous than chlorine in ozone depletion?
Bromine is 100 times more reactive than chlorine.
what is ClONO₂ and its significance?
It’s an inert chlorine compound that, under sunlight, releases Cl* which destroys ozone.
What causes acid deposition?
SO₂ and NO₂ reacting with water or particles in the air.
How does acid rain affect ecosystems?
It lowers pH, kills fish and microbes, and damages plants and soil.
What metals become mobile in acidic soil?
Lead (Pb²⁺), copper (Cu²⁺), aluminum (Al³⁺).
What is thermal inversion?
A weather condition where warm air traps cold air and pollutants near the ground.
What pollutant is linked to photochemical smog?
Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN).
What can cause thermal inversion?
Weather, coastal upwelling, topography, or buildings.
How does El Niño affect the climate?
It causes floods in some regions and droughts in others.
What is El Niño?
Unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific (warm phase).
What is La Niña?
Unusual cooling of surface waters (cool phase).
What is one major human contributor to CO₂ emissions?
Burning fossil fuels.
