Unit 3 Cycles and Patterns of Earth and the Moon Flashcards

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1
Q

The long-term average weather conditions that occur in a particular region.

A

climate

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2
Q

The removal of large areas of forests for human purposes.

A

Deforestation

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3
Q

A period of below-average precipitation.

A

Drought

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4
Q

The combined ocean and atmospheric cycle that results in weakened trade winds across the Pacific Ocean.

A

El Nino/Southern Oscillation

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5
Q

A set of complex equations used to predict future climates.

A

Global climate model

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6
Q

An increase in the average temperature of Earth’s surface.

A

Global warming

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7
Q

A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs Earth’s outgoing infrared radiation.

A

Greenhouse gas

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8
Q

A period of time when a large portion of Earth’s surface is covered by glaciers.

A

Ice Age

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9
Q

A warm period that occurs during an ice age.

A

Interglacial

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10
Q

A narrow band of high winds located near the top of the troposphere.

A

Jet stream

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11
Q

A localized climate that is different from the climate of the larger area surrounding it.

A

Microclimate

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12
Q

A wind circulation pattern that changes direction with the seasons.

A

Monsoon

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13
Q

An area of low rainfall on the downwind slope of a mountain.

A

Rain shadow

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14
Q

A measure of the mass of dissolved salts in a mass of water.

A

Salinity

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15
Q

The amount of thermal energy (joules) needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of material 1º C.

A

Specific heat

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16
Q

The detailed mapping or charting of the features of a relatively small area, district, or locality.

A

Topography

17
Q

The state or quality of being dense; compactness; closely set or crowded condition.

A

Density

18
Q

A _____ is an area of low rainfall on the downwind slope of a mountain.

A

Rain shadow

19
Q

Forests often have their own _____, with cooler temperatures than the surrounding countryside.

A

Microclimate

20
Q

The lower _____ of land causes it to warm up faster than water.

A

Specific Heat

21
Q

A wind circulation pattern that changes direction with the seasons is a

A

Coriolis Effect

22
Q

A ____ such as carbon dioxide absorbs Earth’s infrared radiations and warms the atmosphere.

A

Greenhouse Gas

23
Q
The specific heat of water is \_\_\_\_\_ than the specific heat of land.
higher 
lower
less efficient
more efficient
A

XXXX

24
Q
Which are warm periods during or between ice ages?
ENSO
interglacials
monsoons
pacific oscillations
A

XXXX

25
Q
A rain shadow is created by which factor that affects climate?
a large body of water
buildings and concrete
latitude
mountains
A

XXXX

26
Q
During which even do trade winds weaken and the usual pattern of pressure across the Pacific Ocean reverses?
Drought
El Nino/Southern Oscillation event
North Atlantic Oscillation event
Volcanic eruption
A

XXXX

27
Q
Which is not a greenhouse gas?
carbon dioxide
methane
oxygen
water vapor
A

XXXX

28
Q
Which cools the climate by preventing sunlight from reaching Earth's surface?
aerosols
greenhouse gases
lakes
water vapor molecules
A

XXXX

29
Q
Which action can reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
building houses on permafrost
burning fossil fuels
cutting down forests
driving a hybrid vehicle
A

XXXX

30
Q

Which is a drawback of a global climate model?
Its accuracy is nearly impossible to evaluate.
Its calculations are limited to specific regions.
Its predictions are short-term only.
Its results are difficult to interpret.

A

XXXX

31
Q
The difference in air temperature between a city and the surrounding rural area is an example of a(n)
inversion
microclimate
seasonal variation
weather system
A

XXXX

32
Q
Which does NOT help explain climate differences?
altitude
latitude
oceans
organisms
A

XXXX

33
Q
What is the primary cause of seasonal changes on Earth?
Earth's distance from the Sun
Earth's ocean currents
Earth's prevailing winds
Earth's tilt on its axis
A

XXXX

34
Q
Climate is the \_\_\_\_\_average weather conditions that occur in a particular region. Which complete the definition of climate?
global
long-term
mid-latitude
seasonal
A

XXXX

35
Q
Which climate typically has warm summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation?
continental
dry
polar
tropical
A

XXXX

36
Q
Which characterizes interglacials?
earthquakes
monsoons
precipitation
warmth
A

XXXX

37
Q

A geographic area on Earth that contains ecosystems with similar biotic and abiotic features.

A

Biome