Climate change Flashcards
Short-wave radiation
radiant energy that is visible and is coming from the sun
Long-wave radiation
electromagneticradiationof wavelengths between 3.0 and 100 µm. The waves that bounce off the earth
Convection
the transfer of heat by the movement of a gas or liquid
Conduction
the transfer of heat by contact
Greenhouse effect
The impact on the climate from external factors from humans such as factories
Thermosphere
A virtual vacuum
Mesosphere
Third layer of the atmosphere. Temperatures decrease as a result of increased altitude.
Stratosphere
One of earths layers, trapping heat and dust
Atmosphere
Most weather processes take place here, fall in temperature with height as atmosphere thins.
Positive feedback loop
speeds up global warming
negative feedback loop
slows down warming
An example of a negative feedback loop
The initial cooling of the earth
An example of a positive feedback loop
Increased climate change on the earth
Aerosols
Particles in the air that reflect sunlight into the atmosphere
what % of short wave radiation is absorbed into the earth
70%
what % of short wave radiation is reflected
30%
enhanced greenhouse effect
the un-natural increase of gasses into the atmosphere
green house effect
The heat that is trapped in the atmosphere by the 0 zone.
Albedo
Ice melting and become less reflective.
what is the Milankovitch cycle
It is the movement of the earth around the sun
some natural contributors to the greenhouse effect
volcanos
Global dimming
the reduction in light that enters an area due to factors such as increased cloud cover or smog.
Example of greenhouse gasses
Carbon dioxide and methane
What is one of the biggest contributors of emissions
energy (e.g burning fossil fuels)
what is the net radiation balance
The difference between the two flows of radiation
Countries that contribute the most to climate change
India, China and the US
Countries that will be effected the worst with climate change
The pacific islands and Bangladesh
What number of people in the world do not already have access to electricity
2 billion
by which year does the UK want to reach zero carbon
2040
zero carbon
when a country or organisation manages to emit zero greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere
