U3L4 Atmosphere and Climate Change Flashcards
Out of all the spheres in the atmosphere, which is the most affected by climate change?
The atmosphere
Why are polar bears being affected by climate change?
Polar bears do most of their hunting on floating ice, and this ice is melting at an alarming rate, polar bears are, in general, considered to be a threatened species.
Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane are examples of __________.
greenhouse gases
Why are greenhouse gases bad?
When greenhouse gases increase in the atmosphere, the atmosphere absorbs more of the energy that comes from the sun, and the atmosphere warms.
What event causes greenhouse gases to be released naturally?
Volcanic eruptions
What is the definition of greenhouse gas?
An atmospheric gas that absorbs and reradiates the sun’s energy
Describe how too much water vapor in the atmosphere can affect Earth’s climate?
As temperatures rise, more of Earth’s water gains enough energy to become water vapor and enter the atmosphere. Because water vapor is a greenhouse gas, this in turn leads to absorption of yet more energy by the atmosphere.
Remember… Water is a master at absorbing heat, carbon dioxide, etc., so having water vapor in the air isn’t the best.
What is the Clear Air Act?
The Clean Air Act requires most states to conduct vehicle inspections to identify motor vehicles that emit excessive levels of air pollutants.
What different information does each model provide?
Model? Don’t know what the lesson means by the models T-T
The graph provides average temperature anomalies over time globally, whereas the video shows temperature anomalies on a map so the changes in different parts of the world over time can be seen.
How can each model be used as evidence to make a claim about climate change?
I have no idea what model the lesson is talking about ;-;
The graph can be used to make a claim about changes in average global temperature, and the video can be used to make claims about regions of Earth that have greater or less temperature change.
How does melting sea ice in Antarctica affect climate and atmospheric composition?
Earth’s surface temperature increases and water vapor in the atmosphere increases.
What’s happening at Wilmington, North Carolina?
In the last few years, this region has seen the largest increase in flooding since 1950. Wilmington has flooded 49 days per year in the 2010s, compared to one or two days per year in the 1950s.
How is the flooding in North Carolina related to Antarctica?
As Antarctic ice melts and the temperatures increase there, more water enters the atmosphere, contributing to the increased intensity of storms worldwide. In addition, sea level is rising at a rate of 3.3 mm/yr. The combination of severe storms and rising sea levels has caused increased flooding, especially in coastal areas such as North Carolina.
