The Earth and Space Flashcards
(25 cards)
What does the Lithosphere consist of?
Minerals and Rocks
What is the criteria for permafrost?
Ground that has been 0°C or below for at least two years
What is the active layer of permafrost?
The top layer that is able to thaw in the summer and refreeze in winter
What is permafrost’s impact on climate change related to the carbon cycle?
- Due to increasing temperatures, permafrost melts and releases CO₂ and CH₄.
- These greenhouse gases intensify global warming
What are the three energy resources the lithosphere provides?
- Fossil Fuels
- Uranium
- Geothermal energy
What are consequences of fossil fuels?
- CO₂ is released - Acid rain - Non-renewable resource
What does the hydrosphere consist of?
All the water on Earth found in all states: liquid, solid, and gas
What is the watershed/catchment area?
Area where lakes and rivers empty into a downhill reservoir; defined by natural high ground
What is the carbon cycle?
The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon moves through the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere
What role does photosynthesis play in the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis converts atmospheric CO₂ into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) in plants
How does respiration affect the carbon cycle?
Cellular respiration in plants, animals, and decomposers returns CO₂ to the atmosphere
How is carbon stored in the lithosphere?
As fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas), carbonate rocks, and skeletons/shells (CaCO₃)
How can carbon move from the hydrosphere to the lithosphere?
CO₂ dissolved in water can form CaCO₃, which becomes part of shells, then sediment, then rock
What human activities impact the carbon cycle?
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture release excess CO₂
What is ocean circulation and why is it important?
Ocean circulation is the movement of ocean water through currents, which distributes heat, nutrients, and affects global climate
What are glaciers and pack ice?
Glaciers are large masses of moving ice on land; pack ice is frozen ocean water that floats and forms in polar regions
How does melting glaciers and pack ice affect the environment?
It raises sea levels and disrupts habitats for species like polar bears and seals
What is salinity?
The concentration of salt in water, usually measured in parts per thousand (ppt)
What factors affect the salinity of ocean water?
Evaporation, precipitation, freshwater inflow, and ice melting
What are some energy resources from the hydrosphere?
Hydroelectric power and tidal energy
How can human activity affect a catchment area?
Pollution, agriculture, and construction can contaminate water and disrupt ecosystems downstream
What is the greenhouse effect?
It’s the process where greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, keeping the planet warm
What are the main greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor (H₂O)
How do human activities intensify the greenhouse effect?
By increasing emissions of CO₂ and CH₄ through burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture
