Snow and Ice Flashcard

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What is an ice shelf?

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A floating extension of a glacier that forms where a glacier or ice flows down to a coastline and onto the ocean surface.

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What happened to the Larsen B ice shelf in 2002?

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It collapsed, significantly impacting the surrounding ecosystem and contributing to rising sea levels.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Front

What are hydrogen and oxygen isotopes used for in climate science?

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They are found in ice cores and help reconstruct past temperature conditions.

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What are Milankovitch cycles?

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Natural variations in Earth's orbit and tilt that affect climate over thousands of years.

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How do fossil fuels influence climate change?

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Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Front

What is the Laurentide Ice Sheet?

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A massive ice sheet that covered much of North America during the last Ice Age.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Front

What caused the melting of the Laurentide Ice Sheet?

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Primarily due to changes in Earth's tilt and orbit, which affected climate patterns.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Front

What are varve deposits?

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Layers of sediment that are deposited in a seasonal cycle, typically consisting of coarse silt in summer and fine clay in winter.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is the significance of studying ice cores?

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Ice cores provide valuable data on past climate conditions, atmospheric composition, and greenhouse gas levels.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Front

What role do microfossils play in climate studies?

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They help scientists understand past environmental conditions and changes in ecosystems.