Climate Change Vocab And Stuff Flashcards
Weather
Weather refers specifically to the atmosphere conditions that occurs at a particular place, at a particular time. Eg, Local, specific, time of day etc.
Components of weather?
Temperature, Precipitation, Wind speed, Relative humidity, Atmospheric pressure, cloud cover.
Climate
Climate is the average weather conditions that occur in a region over a long period of time, at LEAST 30 YEARS
Factors that climate is affected by
Latitude, Elevation, Ocean currents, Nearby bodies of water, Topography/Relief, Prevailing winds
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Components of climate
Average monthly temperature, Average monthly precipitation, Average monthly wind speed/direction
Eg, Southern Ontario’s climate in January is cold, snowy and windy, with an average daytime temperature of -9 C.
Basic needs depending on climate
- Clothing - Variety for the summer and winter
- Agriculture - We rely on importation or frozen frozen canned food in winter
- Housing - Homes must be insulated, heated, and air conditioned
Climatographs
Graphs of climate data for a particular region based on measurements taken over several years.
What do climate graphs include?
Information on average monthly temperature and an average of the total monthly precipitation. (Rain and snow.)
Indicators of climate change
Global warming, Changes in polar & glacial ice, sea levels, acidity, Human health, Wind & precipitation patterns, biomes, growing seasons.
Energy transfer
Energy can be transferred from one place to another by one of the following 3 methods, which contribute to the earths weather. Radiation , Conduction, Convection.
Cloud cover?
How much of the sky is covered by clouds at any given point. A component of weather. Increased CC = increased albedo = decreased temp
Atmosphere pressure
Weight of air pressing down on earths surface, component of weather
How many years is climate measured over?
At least 30
Latitude
Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. The sun and earths tilt.
Elevation
Elevation is the height of a place above sea level.
Ocean currents
Ocean currents are continuous, directed movements of seawater generated by forces such as wind, temperature differences, the Earth’s rotation, and the shape of the ocean basins.
What drives ocean currents?
Temperature differences, Winds, and the earths rotation
How do volcanoes affect climate change?
white ash is spewed into the air when eruptions occur. This white ash is very hot when airborn. The white covering on the ash reflects sunlight back into the atmosphere increases albedo and cooling the atmosphere. However, GHG’s like water and carbon dioxide are also released which warm the atmosphere.
What happens to albedo and surface temp when volcanoes erupt, how long approx does it take to get back to pre-eruption levels.
Surface temperatures immediately decrease, while Albedo increases. It takes approx 20 years to reach pre-eruption levels.
3 types of energy transfer
Radiation, convection, conduction
Radiation
Transfer of energy in waves, matter may absorb, reflect, or refract any radiation it comes into contact with.
Eg, A fire, sun rays, can feel heat when not touches, in waves
Conduction
Transfer of thermal energy btw 2 objects that are in direct contact. Thermal energy moves from warmer objects to cooler objects.
Eg,touching a hot pot, pot it heated by stove.