3.23 Global Warming Flashcards
What is the atmosphere?
A protective layer of gases spread all around the Earth. It acts like an insulating blanket or greenhouse, keeping in the perfect amount of the suns heat energy so that the Earth stays at a nice temperature all of the time.
What happens to the suns heat energy as it comes down?
It travels through the atmosphere and hits the surface of the Earth. Some of this energy is absorbed and heats up the ground, but most of it is re-emitted back into the atmosphere towards space. Although some of this radiation does make it back to space, most of it hits particles of gas in our atmosphere which will absorb all the energy and after a short delay, the particles re-emit the energy in random directions. This means that some of the energy will be re-emitted towards space and some to the Earth. However, just like before, most of the energy will collide with another gas particle before it can leave the atmosphere. This process carries on and is what keeps the Earth at a stable temperature.
Why does global warming occur?
Mostly because of releasing lots of carbon dioxide and methane. The problem is that as these gases accumulate and these gases get stronger, the Earth warms up.
What is climate change?
The effects of global warming on climate. “Long term weather patterns”.
What are examples of climate change?
- Droughts, hurricanes and floods becoming more common and severe.
- Sea-level rise
- Species that were perfectly adapted to their environment might not be able to survive anymore. They might adapt to the new conditions or migrate to other regions. Unfortunately, many species are not able to adapt or migrate fast enough and so biodiversity will fall.
Why does sea-level rise happen?
- The higher temperatures cause more ice to melt, which will then flow into the ocean.
- As the water in the oceans warm up, it expands and so its volume will increase, making the sea levels rise even more.
What can sea-level rise lead to?
Seasonal flooding around the world, and in some places, the submersion of entire islands/coastal towns.
Greenhouse effect (5)
1) Solar radiation from the sun passes through the atmosphere and hits the Earth.
2) Some of this energy is reflected straight back towards space, while some is absorbed by the Earth and then reemitted towards space.
3) Some of the reemitted energy makes it all the way to space, but much is absorbed by small molecules called greenhouse gases.
4) These molecules then reemit the energy and the whole process of absorption and emission can happen over and over again.
5) This trapped energy keeps the atmosphere warmer and more stable than it would otherwise be.
What is the difference between global warming and climate change?
Global warming refers to the overall increase in the earth’s temperature. Climate change is a consequence of global warming and refers to the effects on the climate, such as large-scale shifts in weather patterns.
What is the difference between the climate and the weather?
Weather refers to short term atmospheric conditions, like whether it’s raining or sunny on a particular day. Climate describes the typical weather conditions in an entire region for a very long time.
