UNIT 8 TERM

Front

The deviation of the height of the ocean surface from the geoid, or surface on which the Earth's gravity field is uniform.

Back

Ocean surface topography

Front

Occurrences of unusually severe weather or climate conditions that can cause devastating impacts on communities and agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Back

Extreme weather event

Front

A mixture of smoke, gases, and chemicals, especially in cities, that makes the atmosphere difficult to breathe and harmful for health.

Back

Smog

Front

The melt of land ice occurs during the times of year when temperatures are warmer, such as in summer.

Back

Melting land ice

Front

The salt concentration (e.g., sodium and chloride) on the surface of the ocean.

Back

Sea surface salinity

Front

The process by which radiations from the sun are absorbed by greenhouse gases and not reflected back into space, insulating the surface of the earth and preventing it from freezing.

Back

Natural greenhouse effect

Front

A gradual increase in world temperatures caused by gases such as carbon dioxide that are collecting in the air around the earth and stopping heat from escaping into space.

Back

Global warming

Front

The process of a liquid changing to a gas, especially by heating.

Back

Evaporation

Front

The movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers.

Back

Saltwater intrusion

Front

The layer of the earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, extending to about 32 miles (50 km) above the earth's surface (the lower boundary of the mesosphere).

Back

Stratosphere