Honor Bio 4.3 Flashcards
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, and thereby warming the planet.
What are greenhouse gases?
Greenhouse gases are gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing and emitting radiation. Common examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O).
What is a positive feedback loop in the context of climate change?
A positive feedback loop is a process where a change in a system causes further changes that amplify the original change, such as increased temperatures leading to more ice melt, which in turn leads to further warming.
What is a negative feedback loop in climate systems?
A negative feedback loop is a process where a change in a system triggers mechanisms that counteract the initial change, helping to stabilize the system.
What do greenhouse gases do?
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, which helps maintain temperatures that support life. However, excessive greenhouse gas concentrations can lead to global warming.
Why is the greenhouse effect important?
The greenhouse effect is crucial for maintaining Earth’s temperature and supporting life. Without it, the planet would be too cold for most forms of life to survive.
How have humans affected the greenhouse effect?
Humans have increased the greenhouse effect by releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere through activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
What do ice cores tell us about CO2 and temperature patterns over the past 800,000 years?
Ice cores show that there is a clear relationship between CO2 levels and global temperatures, indicating cycles of warming and cooling. Current CO2 levels are unprecedented compared to the past 800,000 years.
How would an increase in atmospheric CO2 potentially affect water vapor levels and the global climate?
An increase in CO2 can lead to higher temperatures, which increases the rate of evaporation, raising water vapor levels. As water vapor is also a greenhouse gas, this could create a positive feedback loop, further intensifying global warming.
Predict what might happen if the ice caps continue to melt at an accelerated rate.
The accelerated melting of ice caps would reduce the Earth’s albedo (reflectivity), causing more sunlight to be absorbed by the Earth’s surface, further warming the planet in a positive feedback loop.
Why is it important to understand the balance between positive and negative feedback loops in climate change?
Understanding the balance helps scientists predict whether climate changes will accelerate or stabilize over time, which is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate or adapt to climate impacts.
