Earth's Changing Climate: Chapter 1 Flashcard

Front

What is climate change?

Back

Changes in climate over a long period of time that can be caused by natural events or human activities.

Front

What does the term 'trend' refer to in data analysis?

Back

Overall tendency (for example, a consistent increase) in a set of data over time.

Front

What does 'fluctuation' mean in the context of data?

Back

Variations in a set of data.

Front

What trend are we seeing in Earth's surface ice?

Back

Decrease.

Front

What is energy?

Back

The ability to make things move or change.

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, crucial for weather and climate.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Front

What are fossil fuels?

Back

Natural substances like coal, oil, and natural gas that release energy when burned, contributing to climate change.

Front

What is global warming?

Back

The long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.

Front

What is a carbon footprint?

Back

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.