Core 2 Flashcards
The Atmosphere
It is a layer of a mix of gasses that are retained by earth’s gravity that surround the planet Earth - open system
Energy Balance
Balance between the incoming energy from the sun and the outgoing energy from the atmosphere
Radiation
The emission of electromagnetic waves such as X-rays, short waves, and long waves; as the Sun is a very hot body, radiating at a temperature of about 5,700°C, most of its radiation is in the form of very short wavelengths such as ultraviolet and visible light.
Convection
The transfer of heat by the movement of a gas or liquid
Conduction
The transfer of body heat through contact
Planetary Albedo
Reflection from the earth’s surface (31% reflected back into space)
Natural and Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
The natural greenhouse effect is natural factors heating up the planet such as the sun’s rays, the enhanced greenhouse effect is added to the natural but also human contributions such as carbon emissions
Positive Feedback Loop
A cycle that has negative effects
Negative Feedback Loops
A cycle that has a positive effect
Anthropogenic Pollution
Pollution originating in human activity
Milankovitch Cycles
How the different orbits of the Earth affect the tilt on the axis which affects how much solar energy the Earth absorbs - a higher tilt results in absorbing more energy causing sea levels to rise (a natural explanation for global warming)
Sun Spots
Darker and cooler spots on the sun that can emit solar flares
Albedo
How much solar radiation is reflected away from Earth
Latitude
Latitude is the distance north or south of the Equator. It is measured with 180 imaginary lines that form circles around the Earth, parallel to the Equator. These lines are known as parallels
Climate Change Refugees
Displaced people due to climate change effects e.g: rising sea levels shrinking the Kiribati Islands
