Human activity & climate change

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, contribute to climate change.

Biomes and climate modelling

Biomes are large ecological areas with distinct climates, and climate models predict changes in these areas.

Impact of climate change on Earth’s biomes & human populations

Climate change affects biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods.

What is the biosphere?

The biosphere is the relatively thin layer of Earth capable of supporting life. It consists of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, with other gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

The solid portion of Earth, consisting of rocks, minerals, and other elements.

All of the water on Earth, present in any state.

Diagram of the biosphere

Diagram illustrating the components of the biosphere: atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

Characteristics of the troposphere

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere and is where most weather occurs.

Classification of atmospheric layers

The atmosphere is divided into layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

Does the lithosphere include just the land making up the Earth's continents?

No, the lithosphere includes both the Earth's crust and the upper mantle.

Why temperature increases with altitude in the stratosphere

Temperature increases due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer.

Comparison of the three parts of the biosphere

The biosphere consists of the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air).

How each part of the biosphere supports life

The lithosphere provides nutrients, the hydrosphere supplies water, and the atmosphere offers oxygen and protection.

Support for ecosystems

The flow of energy supports the vast majority of ecosystems on our planet

How are chemosynthetic organisms different than ones who use photosynthesis?

Chemosynthetic organisms are near hydrothermal vents underwater. They use the chemicals and heat to create energy instead of sunlight.

A common pathway of energy flow of biotic systems.

Not all of the sun's energy reaches the Earth's surface. Some energy is reflected by ice, clouds, and other light-colored surfaces. This is known as the albedo effect.

Surfaces that absorb more sunlight than they reflect

Pavement (asphalt), dark rocks, dark roofing shingles, trees

Amount of solar energy reaching the poles varies during the year, why?

The variation is due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun, affecting the angle and duration of sunlight.

Cloud cover influences solar radiation reaching Earth's surface.

Clouds can reflect, absorb, or scatter solar radiation, reducing the amount that reaches the surface.

Albedo of a material.

Albedo is determined by the surface's color and texture; lighter surfaces have higher albedo, reflecting more solar energy.

At what time of the year does the North Pole receives highest radiation?

The North Pole receives the highest radiation during the summer solstice, while the South Pole experiences minimal insolation.

Compare albedo of snow and dark soil.

Snow has a higher albedo than dark soil, reflecting more solar energy and absorbing less.

Solar energy absorbed by Earth's surface has what effect on the Biosphere?

Absorbed solar energy is converted into heat, warming the surface, water and affecting climate and weather patterns.

Factors affecting radiation reaching Earth's surface.

Factors include atmospheric conditions, angle of sunlight, and surface characteristics.

Effect of angle of inclination on solar energy.

The angle of inclination affects the intensity and distribution of solar energy, influencing climate and seasons.

Why does the amount of solar energy reflected by water vary during the day?

The reflection varies due to changes in the sun's angle and water surface conditions, affecting the percentage of reflected energy.

Definition of Climate

Climate is the average weather conditions (temperature & precipitation) that take place over decades of time.

Definition of Weather

Weather is a short-term change in temperature, precipitation, etc. that takes place over the course of a few days.

The Coriolis effect is the impact of Earth's rotation on its axis, affecting wind patterns and ocean currents.

A year of the Earth around the Sun.

Earth's axial tilt and orbit cause seasonal changes, marked by solstices and equinoxes.

High concentrations of greenhouse gases

Associated with an increase in average global temperatures.

Carbon isotopes in ice cores

Certain isotopes are linked to CO₂ from volcanic eruptions, others to CO₂ from fossil fuel combustion.

Studying carbon isotopes in ice cores

Helps scientists understand the origins of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over time.

Climate and Biosphere Concepts Flashcards

Student preview

50 questions

Show all answers

1.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Components of the biosphere

Back

The biosphere includes all living organisms on Earth, along with the environments in which they live.

2.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Energy flow through the biosphere

Back

Energy flows through the biosphere primarily through the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

3.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

The albedo effect

Back

The albedo effect refers to the reflection of solar radiation by Earth's surface, affecting climate and temperature.

4.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

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.

5.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Climate vs. weather

Back

Climate refers to long-term atmospheric conditions, while weather describes short-term changes in the atmosphere.

6.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Other factors that affect climate

Back

Factors such as ocean currents, volcanic activity, and human activities can influence climate.

7.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Techniques for studying climate change

Back

Techniques include ice core analysis, tree ring studies, and satellite observations.

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