PLANTS and CIRCULATION Flashcards
When did plants first appear, and how do we know?
470mya, with evidence from the geological record
When did plants develop leaves
370 May
Describe the great oxidation event in 4 points
3mya, Land was lifeless and toxic due to UV rays
Great oxidation event cleared toxic gases which generates ozone
With ozone, plants began to colonise as they were protected
Positive oxygen and greening freedback occurred
How do plants influence the long-term carbon cycle?
They accelerate chemical / biological weathering
They promote carbon burial
They promote positive feedback
What is the Coriolis effect?
Deflection of wind/water due to Earth’s rotation
What is El Niño oscillation?
Year to year variations in sea-surface temperatures that affect rainfall and temperature
What is North Atlantic Oscillation?
Variations in atmospheric pressure between the Icelandic Low and Azores High, it affects storm paths and humidity across northern American and Europe
What are rossby waves?
Large, horizontal atmospheric meanders that have a major influence on weather
What is Obliquity?
The tilt of the earth’s axis
What is procession?
The wobble of the earth’s axis
