4.3 Study Flashcards
What is the greenhouse effect?
The trapping of infrared light by greenhouse gases, which causes the temperature to rise
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that absorb infrared light
What is albedo?
The amount of light being reflected by the earth.
What is a feedback loop?
A circuit-like system in which an initial disturbance acts as an input into the system, creating a change, or output, that influences the initial disturbance
What does a negative feedback loop do?
Output restricts initial disturbace
What does a positive feedback loop do?
Output amplifies initial disturbance
If there are more greenhouse gases, what will happen to the temperature?
The temperature will rise
How does water vapor contribute to the greenhouse effect?
Water vapour significantly amplifies any change in temperature.
If greenhouse gas emissions increase, what will happen to the albedo of the earth?
The albedo of the earth will decrease.
If greenhouse gas emissions increase, what will happen to permafrost?
The permafrost will thaw more, which releases CO2 and releases more greenhouse gases.
Is the greenhouse effect a positive or negative loop?
Positive loop
Is the fertilization effect a positive or negative feedback loop?
Negative loop.
