Human Impact Study Guide (24/25)

Front

What are nonrenewable resources?

Back

Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that are available in limited supply and cannot be replenished within a human timescale, such as oil, natural gas, and coal.

Front

Why are oil, natural gas, and coal considered nonrenewable?

Back

These fuels are available in a limited supply. When the fuel is used, it is no longer available.

Front

How do alternative energy sources affect Earth's atmosphere?

Back

They reduce levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

What is a greenhouse gas?

Back

A greenhouse gas is a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide.

Front

Why is carbon dioxide considered a greenhouse gas?

Back

It traps radiated solar energy in the atmosphere, which causes air temperatures to rise.

Front

What is geothermal energy?

Back

Geothermal energy is energy derived from the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is solar energy?

Back

Solar energy is energy harnessed from sunlight using solar panels or other technologies.

Front

What do geothermal and solar energy have in common?

Back

Neither produces greenhouse gases.

Front

How do scientists study the history of Earth's climate?

Back

By studying fossils, ice cores, and tree rings.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.