Effects of a Changing Climate

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Global Warming Noun

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[gloh-buhl wor-ming]

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Global Warming

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The long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature, a primary aspect of climate change driven by human activities.

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Example: This diagram shows how greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, causing a warming effect that leads to global warming.

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Thermal Expansion Noun

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[thur-muhl ek-span-shuhn]

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Thermal Expansion

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The tendency of matter, particularly ocean water, to increase in volume as its temperature rises, contributing to sea-level rise.

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Example: This image shows that when the liquid in a thermometer is heated, it expands and takes up more space, causing it to rise up the tube.

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Greenhouse Effect Noun

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[green-hous uh-fekt]

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Greenhouse Effect

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The natural process where certain atmospheric gases trap the Sun's outgoing heat, which keeps the planet's surface warm.

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Example: This diagram shows how sunlight warms the Earth, and how greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some of that heat, keeping the planet warm.

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Cryosphere Noun

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[krahy-oh-sfeer]

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Cryosphere

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The collective term for the frozen water part of the Earth system, including all glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice.

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Example: This image shows parts of the cryosphere, which includes all frozen water on Earth, such as the large iceberg in the ocean and the snow-covered glaciers on the mountains.

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Sea-Level Rise Noun

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[see-lev-uhl rahyz]

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Sea-Level Rise

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The increase in the average level of Earth's oceans, caused primarily by thermal expansion and melting of land-based ice.

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Example: This image shows how rising sea levels can flood coastal communities, forcing water into areas where people live.

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Extreme Weather Noun

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[ik-streem weth-er]

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Extreme Weather

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Weather events that are significantly different from the usual pattern, including events that are rare, severe, or unseasonal.

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Example: This image shows a powerful thunderstorm with lightning, a common and dramatic example of extreme weather that can be dangerous.

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Feedback Loop Noun

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[feed-bak loop]

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Feedback Loop

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A process where a system's output is circled back as an input, either amplifying or dampening the original effect.

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Example: Decomposers break down matter, releasing nutrients into the soil. Plants use these nutrients to grow, creating a cycle where the output (nutrients) feeds back to support growth.

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Adaptation Noun

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[ad-ap-tey-shuhn]

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Adaptation

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The process of adjusting to actual or expected climate change and its effects in order to reduce vulnerability.

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Example: This diagram shows a seawall, a human-made structure with a curved face designed to deflect waves and protect the coast from erosion.

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Mitigation Noun

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[mit-i-gey-shuhn]

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Mitigation

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Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, thereby limiting the magnitude of future climate warming.

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Example: This image shows how a new road ('Selected Alignment') is planned to go around important buildings and a historic area, reducing potential harm.

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Nuisance Flooding Noun

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[noo-suhns fluhd-ing]

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Nuisance Flooding

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Shallow, disruptive flooding that occurs at high tide without a storm, also known as sunny-day or high-tide flooding.

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Example: This diagram shows how a very high tide can push seawater up through storm drains, causing streets to flood even on a sunny day.