Topic 7

greenhouse effect

• the trapping of heat near a planet's surface by certain gases in the planet's atmosphere

• the process of photosynthesis in plants

• the increase in temperature due to solar radiation

• the cooling of the Earth's surface due to cloud cover

area

• a defined space with specific boundaries

• an undefined space or location; can be large or small

• a measurement of length

• a type of geometric shape

absorb

• to take in; to swallow up

• to release; to let go

• to divide; to separate

• to ignore; to overlook

La Nina

• a climate event in the eastern Pacific Ocean in which surface waters are colder than normal

• a weather phenomenon characterized by warmer than normal ocean temperatures

• a type of tropical storm that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean

• a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rainfall to Southeast Asia

jet stream

• a band of high-speed winds about 10 kilometers above Earth's surface

• a type of cloud formation found at low altitudes

• a weather phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms

• a layer of the atmosphere that traps heat

model

• a representation of something on a smaller scale

• a exact copy of something on a larger scale

• a theoretical framework for understanding concepts

• a detailed plan for a project

gradually

• to move or change slowly

• to act quickly and decisively

• to remain unchanged over time

• to increase in speed rapidly

current

• a large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans

• a type of electrical flow

• a measure of temperature in the ocean

• a wave caused by wind

Coriolis effect

• the effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and currents

• a phenomenon that causes ocean currents to flow in a straight line

• the impact of solar radiation on weather patterns

• the influence of mountain ranges on local climate

land breeze

• a flow of air from land to a body of water

• a flow of air from water to land

• a type of wind that occurs during the day

• a seasonal wind that brings rain