APES Global Climate Change

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What is carbonic acid?

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Carbonic acid is a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water, playing a crucial role in the carbon cycle and ocean chemistry.

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What happens to an area’s climate when it gets less rainfall?

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Less rainfall can lead to more forest fires due to drier conditions, which increase the likelihood of wildfires.

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What does HIPPCO stand for in environmental science?

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HIPPCO is an acronym for Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population (human), Climate change, and Overharvesting, which are major threats to biodiversity.

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What is coral bleaching?

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Coral bleaching is the loss of color in corals due to stress factors like higher ocean temperatures, leading to the expulsion of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae).

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap infrared radiation from the Earth's surface, warming the planet.

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What are the main greenhouse gases?

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The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor.

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How does increased carbon dioxide affect ocean acidity?

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Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to more CO2 being absorbed by oceans, forming carbonic acid and lowering the pH, which increases ocean acidity.

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What is the impact of climate change on weather patterns?

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Climate change can lead to more extreme weather patterns, including increased frequency and intensity of storms, droughts, and heatwaves.

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What role do forests play in carbon sequestration?

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Forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, storing carbon in biomass and helping mitigate climate change.

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What is the significance of the ozone layer?

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The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.