Global climate-vulnerability and resiliance Flashcards
the atmosphere
A mixture of liquids, solids and gases that surrounds the Earth.
the four parts of the atmosphere
Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere
What layer of the earth do we live in?
Troposphere
Insolation
Incoming solar radiation
How is energy redistributed across the globe?
Wind circulation and ocean currents
What is an open system
An open system is one that accepts input from external sources and produces output. Such as the ocean and the atmosphere.
radiation the sun emits
Short wave - it has a higher energy
radiation the sun emits
Short wave - it has a higher energy
radiation the earth emits
Long wave - it has lower energy
Convection
Transfer of heat by movement of a gas or liquid
Conduction
Transfer of heat by contact
Greenhouse effect
Natural situation in which heat is retained in Earth’s atmosphere by carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other gases
Enhanced greenhouse effect
Occurs as a result of increased quantities of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere owing to human activities and their impact on these fragile atmospheric systems
What is energy balance?
The balance between incoming energy from the sun and outgoing energy from the atmosphere
Atmospheric energy budget
Balance between incoming and outgoing solar radiation