Global Warming / Climate Change

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What is global warming?

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Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

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What are greenhouse gases?

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Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor.

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How does climate change affect precipitation patterns?

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Climate change leads to an increase in both wet and dry extremes, resulting in more intense rainfall events and prolonged droughts in different regions.

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What is carbonic acid and how is it formed?

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Carbonic acid is a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, including seawater. It plays a role in ocean acidification.

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What are the two largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.?

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Transportation and electricity generation are the two largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

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What is permafrost?

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Permafrost is permanently frozen ground that occurs in polar regions. Its melting due to climate change releases greenhouse gases like methane.

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What is a positive feedback loop in the context of climate change?

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A positive feedback loop occurs when an initial change causes further changes that amplify the original effect, such as melting permafrost releasing methane, which leads to more warming.

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What causes sea level rise?

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Sea level rise is caused by two main factors: melting ice (from glaciers and ice sheets) and thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.

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What is thermal expansion?

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Thermal expansion is the increase in volume of water as it warms, contributing to rising sea levels.

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What role do oceans play in climate regulation?

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Oceans absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide and heat, helping to regulate the Earth's climate and weather patterns.

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