Science ( Ecosystem) Flashcards
What Is Biosphere
Refers to all the living organisms on Earth ( The animals, plants, insects, even micro-organisms) and how they interact with each other and their environments
What is Atmosphere
The layer of gases that surround a celestial body, such as Earth.
On Earth the atmosphere is mainly made of Nitrogen (78%) Oxygen (21%) and other traces of other gases.
Lithosphere
The Outer layer of Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle
Hydrosphere
The hydrosphere encompasses all the water on Earth, including those in lakes, in the ground and even water vapour
How do elements cycle through the Earth’s Spheres
- Several elements cycle through the Earth’s spheres, including carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulphur. These elements take various chemical forms and move between living and non-living forms and locations in the biosphere
- The cycling of matter is driven by energy from the sun and the heat from within the Earth, which provide the necessary energy for these cycles to occur
- Geologic processes, such as weathering of rocks, erosion, water drainage, and the subduction of continental plates, also play a role in the recycling of materials between the Earth’s spheres
Carbon cycles through Earth’s spheres through processes like photosynthesis (plants absorbing CO2), respiration (release of CO2 by organisms), combustion (burning of fossil fuels), and fossilization (formation of fossil fuels).
What is the main processes of the carbon cycle - photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, fossilisation
Carbon cycles through Earth’s spheres through processes like photosynthesis (plants absorbing CO2)
- respiration (release of CO2 by organisms)
- combustion (burning of fossil fuels)
- fossilization (formation of fossil fuels).
Describe the natural greenhouse effect and how it helps to maintain earth’s ideal surface temperature.
The natural greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs when greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the Sun, warming the Earth’s surface.
Identify the four major greenhouse gases
The 4 major greenhouses gases are:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) - Generated through the combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other industrial processes.
Methane (CH4) - Emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) - Released from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as the burning of fossil fuels and biomass.
Water vapor (H2O). - While water vapor is a natural component of the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the water cycle, it is considered a greenhouse gas
Explain how ocean currents distribute heat around the earth through:
Thermohaline circulation for deep currents
And
Gyres for surface currents
Thermohaline Circulation for Deep Currents: This process involves the movement of ocean water around the globe, driven by differences in temperature and salinity, which helps distribute heat and nutrients
Gyres for Surface Currents: Gyres are large systems of rotating ocean currents, driven by the Earth’s rotation and wind patterns, which play a significant role in distributing heat around the Earth’s surface
What are carbon reservoirs / sinks
Carbon reservoirs or sinksis somehting ( include the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms), which store and release carbon through various processes such as :
Oceans: The oceans are a significant carbon sink, absorbing and storing carbon through physical and biological mechanisms.
Soils: Soils store a substantial amount of carbon, making them an essential carbon reservoir.
why climate change has occurred in the geological past. Eg. ice-ages and inter-glacial periods.
Climate change in the geological past, including ice ages and inter-glacial periods, has occurred due to natural variations in the Earth’s orbit, changes in solar radiation, and volcanic activity, among other factors.
Describe the enhanced greenhouse effect and list types and sources of anthropogenic GHGs.
The enhanced greenhouse effect are gases in the atmosphere that have been increased due to human activities, such:
- The burning of fossil fuels
- Deforestation
which have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to additional warming.
List the fossil fuel types
Coal
Oil
Natural gas
How has Coal contribution to the enhanced greenhouse effect
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. When burned for electricity and heat production, coal releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to the enhanced greenhouse effect. It is considered the dirtiest fossil fuel and is a major contributor to global warming
How has Oil contribution to the enhanced greenhouse effect
The burning of oil, particularly in transportation and industrial processes, is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions. Oil-based products, such as gasoline and diesel, are widely used in the transportation sector, contributing to the release of greenhouse gases. The combustion of oil contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect, albeit to a slightly lesser extent than coal
