Earth's climate Flashcards
What is the main difference between climate and weather?
Climate is the long-term average of weather patterns
Which of the following provides direct evidence of past climates?
Ice cores
How does oxygen isotope analysis help determine past temperatures?
It compares the ratio of ¹⁸O to ¹⁶O in shells, which varies with temperature
Which of the following gases is a greenhouse gas that absorbs longwave radiation?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
What is a major human contribution to the greenhouse effect?
Addition of CO₂ and methane to the atmosphere
What role do aerosols play in Earth’s climate system?
They reflect or absorb solar radiation and can influence cloud formation
What is the primary reason for cooling after volcanic eruptions?
Increased albedo due to ash and aerosols
How do tree rings help in climate studies?
Their thickness reflects growing conditions tied to climate
Which of the following natural factors affects long-term climate change?
Changes in Earth’s orbit (eccentricity, obliquity, precession)
Why is methane a potent greenhouse gas?
It traps ~25 times more heat than CO₂ per molecule
