4.4: Climate Change Flashcards
Define greenhouse gas.
A greenhouse gas is any gaseous substance that has the ability to absorb infrared radiation and trap and hold heat in the atmosphere.
What determines the warming impact of a gas?
The warming impact of a gas is determined by the concentration of a gas and its ability to absorb long-wave radiation.
Give four examples of greenhouse gases.
Methane, carbon dioxide, oxide of nitrogen (nitrous oxide), and water vapor. NOT nitrogen
Outline the causes of increased greenhouse gases.
The causes of increased greenhouse gases are the presence of carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide and methane in the atmosphere + increased levels of carbon dioxide due to combustion of organic matter and reduced photosynthesis resulting from deforestation.
Outline the predictions of the outcomes of increased greenhouse gases.
The predictions of the outcomes of increased greenhouse gases include:
1) the threat of a 3-degree increase in average global temperature over the next fifty years,
2) rising sea levels as a result of melting ice caps, and
3) changes in climate and ocean currents
Give the reason there is a sharp increase on maps of global average temperature around the year 1950.
There is a sharp increase around 1950 that correlates to the industrialization of more countries and the combustion of large amounts of fossil fuels.
Explain the relationship between carbon dioxide and coral reefs. / Explain the effect carbon dioxide concentration has on coral reefs
CO2 dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, making the water acidic. Over 500 metric tons (tonnes) of carbon dioxide have dissolved into the oceans over the last 200 years, causing a significant decrease in pH. Hydrogen from carbonic acid reacts with carbonate ions, which coral uses to make their exoskeletons. The reaction reduces the concentration of carbonate ions and decreases corals’ ability to make an exoskeleton.
