topic 5 - climate change Flashcards
(11 cards)
what is dendrochronology
study of tree rings to determine climate history
how can dendrochronologists info about the climate going beyond the lifespan of trees that are currently alive or have just been cut down
- examining fossilised trees
- examining ancient objects made of wood
explain how ice cores can give clues surrounding the changing of the earths climate
- ice forms from the compactation of snow which traps gas bubbles
- gas content can be analysed and compared to climate data
why are atmospheric levels of CO2 increasing?
- weathering of carbonate rocks
- combustion of fossil fuels
- deforestation
- natural phenomena
why does photosynthesis increase due to global warming?
- higher temps increase reaction rates
- increased enzyme activity
- increased CO2 in air benefits plants
- more CO2 fixed into biomass
what evolutionary effect may a decrease in temperature in the UK have on plants and animals?
- organisms that are adapted to colder conditions survive and reproduce
- change in allele frequency
- some organisms will go extinct , others will thrive
how can a peat bog give clues about climate history over time?
- peat forms in layers with oldest at bottom
- pollen grains get trapped in peat
- species can be identified
- can give clues about climate conditions for a historical period
- based on what species grow best in certain conditions
why are there fluctuations in climate graphs?
- photosynthesis occurs at a greater rate during summer
- more co2 taken out of atmosphere during summer
The main reason that carbon dioxide acts as a greenhouse gas is because it ….
absorbs infrared radiation reflected by the surface of the Earth
what is the Q10 equation
Q10 = (Rate at T+10°C) / (Rate at T°C).
define ecosystem
relationshio between orginisms and abiotic factors
