MS-ESS3-5 Review

Front

Difference between weather and climate

Back

Weather refers to short-term conditions in the atmosphere, while climate describes long-term patterns in weather over several decades and for a large region.

Front

Definition of climate change

Back

Climate change refers to global changes in climate, including shifting temperature and precipitation patterns, melting ice, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification.

Front

Cause of Earth's warming

Back

Earth is warming due to an increase in greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere.

Front

Role of the sun in Earth's temperature

Back

The sun travels through space and warms Earth by reflecting some solar energy and absorbing some of it.

Front

Greenhouse effect

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process where greenhouse gases re-radiate energy in all directions, keeping Earth warm enough to support life.

Front

Short-term vs. long-term weather patterns

Back

Weather is short-term, while climate is the long-term pattern of weather.

Front

Effects of climate change

Back

Climate change leads to changes in temperature, precipitation, ice melting, sea level rise, and ocean acidification.

Front

Energy absorbed by greenhouse gases

Back

Greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate energy, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Front

Earth's energy balance

Back

The balance of absorbed and released energy maintains Earth's temperature.

Front

Greenhouse gases include water vapor, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane.

Back

These gases trap heat in the atmosphere.