7.4-7.6 - climate change p2 Flashcards
What is the greenhouse gas effect?
The greenhouse gas effect is the process where greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat. Sunlight enters the atmosphere, warming Earth’s surface, and some heat is radiated back as infrared. Greenhouse gases trap this heat, preventing it from escaping into space, similar to how glass walls trap heat in a greenhouse.
What are the 4 main greenhouse gasses and their origin?
C02 - Carbon dioxide - respiration/combustion
C04 - Methane - agriculture
N20 - Nitrous Oxide - combustion
HFC/PFC’s - aerosols/refrigerating
What is the enhanced GHG effect?
The enhanced GHG effect is the buildup of greenhouse gases in earth’s atmosphere. This prevents heat from leaving earth as infrared radiation, resulting in increasing temperatures.
What are the 2 main sources of carbon emissions?
Cellular respiration - all living things do this, the product - CO2 is formed
Fossil fuel burning - the combustion of fossil fuels release CO2 - this is worsening over time
What is the evidence of ice cores mean - climate change?
Dust, gasses and other substances from the air are trapped in ice over years. This ice is extracted and the C02 levels, temperature data and air composition are studied. A clear relationship between C02 levels and temperature over time has been identified, proving climate change.
What is methane?
Methane is a major GHG gas primarily induced through agriculture.
main Examples include:
cow’s and other livestock emit large amounts of this through digestion.
Permafrost is frozen ground that stores methane. When it melts, it releases methane, adding to climate change.
What are climate models and their importance (REWRITE)?
Scientists use climate models to predict future climate conditions and their impacts. These models simulate air and ocean circulation using data from the atmosphere, oceans, and land, combined with mathematical equations. They help identify trends and guide actions to address climate change.
What is palaeoclimates?
Palaeoclimates study Earth’s past climates using evidence like ice cores, tree rings, and sediments. This helps scientists understand climate changes over time and create models to predict future climates. Proxies, such as preserved biological and geological materials, are key tools for this research.
What is Global Warming?
Global warming is the long-term increase in earth’s average surface temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. This leads to climate changes, significantly impacting ecosystems and human life.
e.g. for each:
effect - increasing water levels
humans responsible - excess fossil fuel burning
stop - paris agreement or be concious - hydro energy or smthn
Define biodiversity.
The variety of a plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is considered to be important and desirable.
Define genetic diversity.
Genetic diversity can be considered in terms of variation within the genes, which are made up of DNA.
What is species diversity?
Species diversity is the variety of traits in a group of the same species, helping them survive changes in their environment.
What is ecological diversity?
Ecological diversity can be considered in terms of the diversity in ecosystems.
Increased biodiversity within ecosystems can reduce the consequences of losing a species to which the survival of others is linked. Likewise, reduced biodiversity in these ecosystems can lead to the extinction of other species.
What level of mass extinction are we in?
6th level of mass extinction - highlights the long-term consequences of human activity on the environment
What are the 2 main effects of global warming?
increasing ocean temp - ghg melts ice - absorbs more radiation - feedback loop
rising sea levels ^^ interconnected - ice melting - arctic regions - glacial
