Human Activity and Global Warming

Question 1

Albedo

Answer 1

A measure of how much incoming radiation a surface reflects

Question 2

Albedo Effect

Answer 2

The positive feedback that occurs when global warming melts ice. Heat is reflected back into space due to the reflectiveness of the arctic ice.

Question 3

Atmosphere

Answer 3

The gases surrounding a planet or moon, held by gravity

Question 4

Biodiversity

Answer 4

The variety of life on Earth or in a particular region

Question 5

Biosphere

Answer 5

Worldwide sum of all ecosystems

Question 6

Carbon Cycle

Answer 6

The movement of carbon within and between all four earth systems

Question 7

Carbon Dioxide

Answer 7

The primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities

Question 8

Carbon footprint

Answer 8

The amount of carbon dioxide released by human activity

Question 9

Carbon Sink

Answer 9

Parts of the earth that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Question 10

Climate

Answer 10

Average weather conditions of a region over a long period of time

Question 11

Climate Change

Answer 11

Any change in the climate of a region or the entire planet

Question 12

Climate Zone

Answer 12

A region defined by certain temperatures, humidity and rainfall

Question 13

Ecosystem

Answer 13

A community of interacting organisms and their environment

Question 14

Electromagnetic radiation

Answer 14

A type of energy that moves in waves at the speed of light

Question 15

Energy Budget

Answer 15

The balance between how much energy enters and leaves Earth

Question 16

Enhance Greenhouse Effect

Answer 16

A warming of the planet’s surface by increased levels of greenhouse gases. Caused by humans

Question 17

Fossil Fuel

Answer 17

An energy source from the remains of ancient organisms

Question 18

Geosphere

Answer 18

A planet’s rocks, metals, souls and sediments

Question 19

Greenhouse Effect

Answer 19

A natural warming of a planet’s surface and lower atmosphere

Question 20

Greenhouse Gas

Answer 20

A gas that can absorb and re-emit infrared radiation

Question 21

Hydrosphere

Answer 21

Water on or near the surface of a planet

Question 22

Negative Feedback

Answer 22

A change in a system that causes another change with the opposite effect

Question 23

Ocean Conveyor Belt

Answer 23

A global system of major ocean currents

Question 24

Ozone Layer

Answer 24

A region of the atmosphere with higher concentrations of ozone gases. This stops dangerous sun rays.

Question 25

Positive Feedback

Answer 25

Change in a system that causes another change with the same effect

Question 26

Terrestrial Radiation

Answer 26

Heat emitted from the Earth’s surface and atmosphere

Question 27

Thermal Expansion

Answer 27

The increase in a substance’s volume when it is heated

Question 28

Weather

Answer 28

Atmospheric features that change on a day-to-day basis

Question 29

Carbon Cycle Examples

Answer 29

Animal to microbe to soil to plant

Air to plant to animal to air