Earth Science review units 3&4

Front

What is the runaway greenhouse effect?

Back

An effect that occurs when a planet's atmosphere contains greenhouse gases in an amount sufficient to block thermal radiation from leaving the planet, preventing it from cooling and allowing liquid water on its surface.

Front

What symbol do scientists use to represent eccentricity?

Back

e

Front

What is the Oort cloud?

Back

A spherical region that surrounds the solar system, extending from the Kuiper Belt to almost halfway to the nearest star, containing billions of comets.

Front

What happens to the tidal range when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are aligned?

Back

The tidal range would be at its highest, known as spring tides.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Tides that occur when the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon work together to create a large daily tidal range.

Front

What is eccentricity in the context of orbits?

Back

The degree of elongation of an elliptical orbit.

Front

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Back

A region of the solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune, filled with small icy bodies and dwarf planets.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Tides that occur when the gravitational forces of the sun and moon are perpendicular, resulting in a smaller tidal range.

Front

What is the significance of the tidal range?

Back

The difference in height between high tide and low tide, which affects coastal ecosystems and human activities.

Front

What is the role of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

They trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.