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

True or False: Earth's atmosphere is made up of multiple gases.

Back

True

Front

Fill in the blanks: Although there are many ___________, there is a ________ toward increasing temperatures and decreasing ice on Earth since about 1880.

Back

fluctuations, trend

Front

What is energy?

Back

The ability to make things move or change.

Front

What happens to global average temperature when energy absorbed by the surface increases?

Back

Global average temperature increases.

Front

What gases are primarily responsible for climate change?

Back

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm.

Front

What role do oceans play in climate regulation?

Back

Oceans absorb carbon dioxide and heat, influencing global climate patterns.

Front

What is a trend in climate data?

Back

A long-term pattern or direction in climate data over time.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term averages.