Weather & Climate Flashcards

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Model

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A representation used to describe, explain, or predict the behavior of a system, specifically the flow of energy into and out of Earth's systems and its effect on climate.

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Flow of Energy

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The movement of energy into and out of Earth's systems, including solar radiation, geothermal energy, and heat exchange between Earth's surface and atmosphere, influencing climate.

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Earth’s Systems

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The interconnected components of Earth, such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, which interact to regulate energy flow and determine climate patterns.

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Climate

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The long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation in an area, influenced by the flow of energy into and out of Earth's systems.

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Volcanic Eruptions

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The release of magma, ash, and gases from a volcano, which can alter Earth's energy balance by reflecting sunlight and cooling the climate over short timescales (1-10 years).

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Ocean Circulation

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The large-scale movement of ocean waters, driven by wind, water density differences, and Earth's rotation, affecting climate across the planet over various timescales.

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Human Activity

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Actions by humans, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, that increase greenhouse gases, altering Earth's energy balance and contributing to climate change over decades to centuries.

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Solar Output

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The amount of energy emitted by the Sun, which can vary over time and affect the energy entering Earth's systems, influencing climate on timescales of decades to centuries.

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Earth’s Orbit

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The path Earth follows around the Sun, which can change due to gravitational interactions, affecting solar energy distribution and climate over tens to hundreds of thousands of years.

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Axis Orientation

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The tilt and wobble of Earth's rotational axis, which change over long periods and influence sunlight distribution, contributing to climate variations over tens to hundreds of thousands of years.