Chp 7 Terms Flashcards
Climate
The characteristic pattern of weather conditions within a region, including temperature, wind, velocity, precipitation, and other features, averaged over a long period of time
Greenhouse effect
The natural warming caused when gases in Earths atmodphere absorb thermal energy that is radiated by the sun and earth
Hydrosphere
The collective mass of water found on, under, and over the surface of earth in liquid, solid and gas form
Albedo
The fraction of incident light or electromagnetic radiation that us reflected by the surface of the object, such as from earth back into space; an objects ability to reflect sunlight
Tectonic plate
A piece of Earths outer shell (the lithosphere) that moves slowly flowing u underlying rock layer (the asthenosphere)
Anthropogenic
Relating to or resulting from influence of humans
Climatograph
A graph of climate data for a specific region; the data are usually obtained over 30 yrs from observations made at local weather stations
Atmosphere
A layer of gases that surround planet or moon
Köpen climate classification system
A method of identifying and describing climates based on observable features such as temperature ranges and rates of precipitation
Biome
The largest division of the biosphere that includes large regions that have similar biotic components (plants animals) and similar abiotic components (such as temperature and amount of rainfall)
Ecozone
A division of Earths surface that has developed over a long period of time, and is separated from neighboring eco zones by a geological feature such as an ocean desert or mountain range
Ecoregiony
A subdivision of an ecozone that is characterized by local landforms such as plains, lakes, landforms, lakes, mountains and rivers
Global warming
An increase in global temperature
Deforestation
The destruction of the worlds forests through direct human activity such as logging or slash and burn clearing for agriculture and grazing and the indirect effects of climate change, pollution, and climate change
