Pollution/Climate change/ecology Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is pollution
The introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
What is climate change
Any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time
What can cause changes in Earth’s energy balance
Changes in the greenhouse effect
Variations in the sun’s energy reaching Earth
Changes in the reflectivity of Earth’s atmosphere and surface.
What is greenhouse effect
Process that occurs when gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap the Sun’s heat
What is greenhouse gases
Substances that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere
How does the effect of greenhouse gases work
Greenhouse gases allow incoming visible light energy from the sun to pass, but they block infrared radiation that is radiated from the Earth towards space. Therefore they trap heat energy that subsequently raises air temperature.
What are 4 greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide
Water vapor
Methane
Nitrous Oxide
What is Global Warming
The ongoing rise in global average temperature near Earth’s surface
What is the main cause of global warming
Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
What effects are there for increased concentration of greenhouse gases
Increase Earth’s average temperature,
Influence the patterns and amounts of precipitation,
Reduce ice and snow cover, as well as permafrost,
Raise sea level,
Increase the acidity of the oceans.
What is the causes of greenhouse gases
Burning Fossil Fuels
Deforestation
Livestock farming releases methane (CH4) and fertilizers that release nitrous oxide
Use of industrial chemicals
What is a habitat
The place where a specific animal or plant lives
What is ecosystem
A community of living organisms sharing an environment
What is species
A group of organisms which share many characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
What is ecology
The study of the interactions of living organisms with each other and their environment
