Human Activity and Global Warming Flashcards
Albedo
A measure of how much incoming radiation a surface reflects
Albedo Effect
The positive feedback that occurs when global warming melts ice. Heat is reflected back into space due to the reflectiveness of the arctic ice.
Atmosphere
The gases surrounding a planet or moon, held by gravity
Biodiversity
The variety of life on Earth or in a particular region
Biosphere
Worldwide sum of all ecosystems
Carbon Cycle
The movement of carbon within and between all four earth systems
Carbon Dioxide
The primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities
Carbon footprint
The amount of carbon dioxide released by human activity
Carbon Sink
Parts of the earth that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Climate
Average weather conditions of a region over a long period of time
Climate Change
Any change in the climate of a region or the entire planet
Climate Zone
A region defined by certain temperatures, humidity and rainfall
Ecosystem
A community of interacting organisms and their environment
Electromagnetic radiation
A type of energy that moves in waves at the speed of light
Energy Budget
The balance between how much energy enters and leaves Earth
Enhance Greenhouse Effect
A warming of the planet’s surface by increased levels of greenhouse gases. Caused by humans
Fossil Fuel
An energy source from the remains of ancient organisms
Geosphere
A planet’s rocks, metals, souls and sediments
Greenhouse Effect
A natural warming of a planet’s surface and lower atmosphere
Greenhouse Gas
A gas that can absorb and re-emit infrared radiation
Hydrosphere
Water on or near the surface of a planet
Negative Feedback
A change in a system that causes another change with the opposite effect
Ocean Conveyor Belt
A global system of major ocean currents
Ozone Layer
A region of the atmosphere with higher concentrations of ozone gases. This stops dangerous sun rays.
Positive Feedback
Change in a system that causes another change with the same effect
Terrestrial Radiation
Heat emitted from the Earth’s surface and atmosphere
Thermal Expansion
The increase in a substance’s volume when it is heated
Weather
Atmospheric features that change on a day-to-day basis
Carbon Cycle Examples
Animal to microbe to soil to plant
Air to plant to animal to air
