Help
Options
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Katja Rincon EES 3.3
Study Stack 3.3
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Greenhouse gases | These are atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation (heat), preventing it from escaping into space. Without these naturally occurring gases, the Earth's surface would be much colder than it is. |
| Greenhouse effect | The natural process by which greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat, warming the Earth to a temperature necessary to support life. An increase in human-caused greenhouse gas emissions intensifies this natural process (global warming). |
| Climate | The long-term average of weather patterns in a specific region, encompassing typical temperature, precipitation, wind, and other measures over decades or longer. |
| Human | Describes processes, effects, or results that are generated by or result from the influence of human beings on nature. |
| Absorption of heat | The process where a substance, such as a greenhouse gas molecule, takes in energy from infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space. |
| Atmospheric heating | The warming of the air in the atmosphere, largely caused by the absorption of outgoing infrared radiation by greenhouse gases. |
| Water vapor (H2O) | The gaseous phase of water and the most abundant natural greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, which amplifies the warming effect caused by other gases. |
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | A colorless, odorless gas that is a primary greenhouse gas produced by burning organic compounds and respiration. |
| Methane (CH4) | A potent hydrocarbon greenhouse gas, the main component of natural gas, released from both natural sources and human activities like agriculture and fossil fuel extraction. |
| Nitrous oxide (N2O) | A powerful greenhouse gas released through various agricultural and industrial practices, as well as the burning of fossil fuels. |
| Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) | Synthetic industrial chemicals that are greenhouse gases used as refrigerants and solvents, which also contribute to ozone depletion. |
| Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) | Synthetic industrial gases used as refrigerants and in air conditioning, which are potent greenhouse gases with high global warming potential. |
| Ozone (O3) | A gas found in the atmosphere; in the stratosphere it forms a protective layer, but at lower levels it is a greenhouse gas and a component of smog. |
| Burning fossil fuels | The combustion of carbon-based materials like coal, oil, and natural gas to produce energy, which releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other emissions into the atmosphere. |
| Refrigerant | A substance used in cooling systems (like refrigerators and air conditioners) that readily absorbs and releases heat, often a fluorinated gas that can be a potent greenhouse gas if leaked. |
| Respiration | A natural process where organisms, including humans, break down food molecules to release energy, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. |
| Natural forest fires | Fires that occur in forested areas due to natural causes like lightning, which release carbon dioxide and other emissions into the atmosphere. |
| Emissions | The release of gases or other substances into the atmosphere, often referring to greenhouse gases released by human activities like industrial processes and burning fossil fuels. |
| Temperature | A measure of how warm or cold a substance or the environment is, which is a key variable in climate and weather patterns. |
| Precipitation | Any product of the condensation of atmospheric water vapor that falls to the ground, such as rain, sleet, snow, or hail, a critical component of climate. |
| Agriculture Practices | Methods used in farming and livestock production (e.g., fertilizer use, managing livestock manure, rice cultivation) that are a significant source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions. |
| Volcanic Eruptions | Natural geological events that release gases, aerosols, and ash into the atmosphere, which can influence atmospheric composition and climate patterns. |
Created by:
Krincon26