The Carbon Cycle - Global Warming Flashcards
What has caused global warming?
A rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
What are the two main causes of the rise in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere?
Increased combustion of fossil fuels
Deforestation
What type of gas is carbon dioxide said to be?
A ‘greenhouse gas’
What is a ‘greenhouse gas’?
A gas which allows heat radiation from the sun to pass into the Earth’s atmosphere, but does not allow reflected heat rays back out
What is global warming?
A rise in the average temperature of the planet
List the effects of global warming.
3
Sea levels may rise
Weather patterns may alter
The Gulf Stream may reverse its direction of flow
Why may sea levels rise due to global warming?
2
Due to ice melting and the expansion of hot water
This may cause increased flooding
What may the rising of sea levels result in?
May result in flooding
How may weather patterns be altered by global warming?
2
More stormy weather may result from global warming
This will affect wildlife and agriculture
What type of weather will become more common as a result of global warming?
More stormy weather
What will stormy weather affect?
2
Wildlife
Agriculture
What impact would the reverse of the Gulf Stream’s direction of flow have on the world?
This would cause very cold water to flow past Ireland and would have a huge impact on our climate
