Ch. 16 Climate Change Review
How can planting of trees help reduce climate change?
absorb carbon dioxide from the air in photosynthesis
What do you think killed about 35,000 people in Europe in 2003 due to increased temperatures?
Heat waves
Topography
Higher altitudes have cooler temperatures mountain ranges affect rainfall patterns
Carbon Footprint
The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or group is responsible
Coral Bleaching
The increase in ocean temperature which makes coral reefs lose their color
Warm waters done away from the equator towards the poles by what?
Thermal haline circulation
How has global warming made it more difficult for polar bears to hunt the seals they feed on?
They have to swim further
What is the main cause for global wind patterns?
Unequal heating of different parts of the earth
What does "global warming" refer to?
Climate change
Carbon Offsets
Companies can make a voluntary payment to group that reduces greenhouse gases
Proxy Indicator
Gives clues about past climates
Gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide that trap heat near Earth are also known as?
Greenhouse gases
What percentage of fuel burned by a car actually moves it down the road?
14%
Kyoto Protocol
A binding international effort to reduce green house gases
Which human activity contributes the most carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?
Burning fossil fuels
What is the largest source of U.S greenhouse gases?
Electricity
How do volcanic eruptions affect weather?
Gases and particles can temporarily block sunlight causing air to cool
As a result of global warming, what has happened to some plant species habitats?
Habitats shift
What happens as a result of the ocean's absorption of carbon dioxide?
It causes a cool effect
How was the Kyoto protocol and improvement over the United Nations framework convention on climate?
It was binding not voluntary
If earth did not have an atmosphere what would most of the energy from the sun do?
It would reflect back to space
Scientist determine current climate conditions by doing what?
Making direct measurements
Greenhouse Effect
Natural process that absorb heat and resources slowly
What is one of the criticisms of the Kyoto protocol?
Only required developed nations to reduce omissions
What has happened to global precipitation patterns in the last 100 years?
Precipitation patterns in the last 100 years It has decreased in some areas and increase in others
What is the biggest danger posted by global warming to people living in coastal areas?
Rising sea levels
As a result of global warming and some plant species in the mountains of California have done what?
Shifted their location to higher altitudes
Cap and Trade Program
System of emission limits that can be sold or traded
What do prevailing winds move?
Warm air away from the equator
What are rising sea levels a result of?
Warm water and melting glaciers
What areas of the Earth receive the less direct sunlight?
areas away from equator
What areas of the Earth receive the most direct sunlight?
areas near equator