Atmosphere + Climate Change Vocab

Front

Earth’s Atmosphere

Back

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Front

Greenhouse Gas

Back

A gas in an atmosphere that lets in sunlight and traps heat energy, causing the greenhouse effect.

Front

Greenhouse Effect

Back

The ability of gases in the atmosphere to absorb heat from the Earth.

Front

Earth’s Reflectivity

Back

The percentage of sunlight reflected by the Earth’s surface features and atmosphere.

Front

Earth’s Albedo

Back

The percentage of solar energy reflected from the Earth back into space, measuring the reflectivity of the Earth's surface.

Front

Luminosity

Back

The total amount of light energy given off by an object, such as a light bulb or the sun.

Front

Earth’s Energy Absorption

Back

The amount of the Sun’s energy absorbed by the Earth's surface features and atmosphere.

Front

Solar Energy

Back

Energy from the sun, emitted in all wavelengths, peaking in the visible wavelengths.

Front

Surface Features of the Earth

Back

Topography, bodies of water, and ground cover that cover the Earth’s surface.

Front

Earth’s Energy Balance

Back

The Earth's energy cycle, including all incoming energy from the sun and outgoing energy through reflectivity.