Lesson 4.3 Flashcards
Define climate
the long term pattern of weather in an area
What is the greenhouse gas effect?
The process by which (sunlight from the sun is utilized on earth) heat is trapped near the earth’s surface by greenhouse gases
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the warming of the planet
Why is the greenhouse gas effect important?
It is essential in regulating the balance of heat so that earth can support life and doesn’t freeze.
How have humans affected the greenhouse gas effect?
By releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere with the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and farming livestock which is resulting in the increase of global warming
What do ice cores tell us about the patterns of CO2 and temperature for the past 800,000 years?
They tell us the relationship between the patterns of CO2 and temperature throughout the past 800,00 years. With this we can identify the comparison of how humans have affected the climate and contributed to global warming. We also learn the sequence of natural activities that occurred years ago.
What is the difference between positive and negative feedback?
Positive - when the output of the system serves to reinforce or amplify the initial disturbance
Negative - when the output of the system acts to restrict the effects of the initial disturbance
What is the effect of altitude on climate?
Every 1000 ft = change of 3.5 degrees F
The higher the altitude, the colder the climate becomes
How is climate different on the windward vs leeward side of mountains?
Windward - Moist and wet
Leeward - dry climate, desert
What are ice cores?
cylinders of ice drilled from ice sheets and glaciers
What is a set point?
the desired value of a closed-loop feedback system
Does negative feedback always have bad results?
No, negative feedback can sometimes regulate a feedback loop back to its set point
What is an easy way to identify positive or negative feedback loop?
Check if the stimuli is being regulated or increased
What are the most common greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide (C02), Methane (CH4), Water vapor, Nitrous oxide (N2O)
