Climate Change

Question 1

Weather

Answer 1

Day to day conditions of Earth’s atmosphere in a specific region over a short period of time

Question 2

Climate

Answer 2

Average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time (>30 years)

Question 3

Factors Affecting Climate Change

Answer 3

Earth and Sun (rotation, revelation, tilt, latitude)
Atmosphere (greenhouse effect, wind/ocean currents, precipitation, jet streams)
Hydrosphere (oceans as heat reservoirs, distribution of ice)
Moving Continents (mountains, volcanoes, change of distribution)
Human Activity (fossil fuels)

Question 4

Greenhouse Gases

Answer 4

Water vapour, ozone, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Question 5

Global Warming Potential

Answer 5

Measure of the ability of a gas to trap thermal energy in the atmosphere over a specified time (carbon dioxide = 1)

Question 6

Persistance

Answer 6

Length of time the gas remains in the atmosphere

Question 7

Greenhouse Gas Effect

Answer 7

Some of the solar radiation from the Sun is absorbed by Earth, some is reflected back into the atmosphere. The GHGs trap some of the reflected thermal energy, keeping the climate warm enough.

Question 8

Albedo

Answer 8

A measurement of the percentage of light an object reflects (low = absorb, high = reflect)

Question 9

Feedback Loops

Answer 9

Returns part of system’s output back as input
Positive: increases effect (e.g. global warming and melting ice)
Negative: decreases effect (e.g. global warming and evaporation)

Question 10

Radiation

Answer 10

Transfer of energy by waves

Question 11

Conduction

Answer 11

Transfer of energy by two objects in direct contact

Question 12

Convection

Answer 12

Transfer of energy through the movement of particles in a fluid (convection currents)

Question 13

Thermal Energy Transfer in Atmosphere

Answer 13

Gases at equator gain energy, expand (less dense) and rise to poles where they cool, contract (more dense) and fall back down
Because Earth is spinning, currents are deflected right/left - Coriolis Effect
Jet Stream: band of fast moving air in stratosphere (higher than global winds) - affect formation of cyclones and storms

Question 14

Thermal Energy Transfer in Hydrosphere

Answer 14

When water changes phases (water cycle), thermal energy is released or absorbed but no temperature changes - moderates Earth’s temperatures
Ocean currents travel similar to wind currents

Question 15

Proxy Records

Answer 15

Boreholes
Ice Cores
Tree Rings
Coral Reefs
Pollen
Rocks and Sediment
Fossils

Question 16

Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect

Answer 16

Carbon Dioxide: burning fossil fuels, cement making, deforestation
Methane: coal mining, production of petroleum products, natural gas leaks, rice paddies, landfills, cattle
Nitrous Oxide: fertilizers, burning fossil fuels

Question 17

Climate Change

Answer 17

The significant long term change in climate patterns

Question 18

Indicators/Effects of Climate Change

Answer 18

Change in Polar and Glacial Ice (melting ice)
Rising Sea Levels and Ocean Acidity
Climate and Health (extreme weather - injuries, infection/disease outbreaks, reduced air quality)
Changing Wind and Precipitation Patterns (changes in wind patterns, increased precipitation, desertification/drought, extreme storms)
Changing Biomes (plants & animals, invasive species, deforestation, shrinking wetlands)

Question 19

Mitigation

Answer 19

An action that will prevent or reduce GHG emissions (e.g. planting trees, renewable energy)

Question 20

Adaption

Answer 20

Anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking action to prevent or minimize damage that will be caused (e.g. drought tolerant crops, dykes/sea walls)