Earth's Changing Climate Climate and Atmosphere

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climate Noun

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[kly-mit]

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climate

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The long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area, observed over many years, typically decades or longer.

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Example: The image shows how solar energy is absorbed and re-radiated by Earth's atmosphere, illustrating the greenhouse effect.

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temperature Noun

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[tem-per-uh-cher]

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temperature

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A measure of how hot or cold something is, which is related to the average kinetic energy of its particles.

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Example: Particles in a hot area move faster than in a cold area, showing temperature differences.

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climate change Noun

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[kly-mit cheynj]

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climate change

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A significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years.

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Example: The image shows how greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, warming the Earth and contributing to climate change.

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trend Noun

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[trend]

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trend

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The general direction in which something is developing or changing over a long period, as seen in data.

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Example: The graph shows an upward trend, indicating a general increase over time, similar to climate data trends.

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fluctuation Noun

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[fluk-choo-ey-shun]

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fluctuation

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A short-term, irregular rise and fall or variation in data that differs from the overall long-term trend.

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Example: A wave diagram showing peaks and troughs to illustrate fluctuation in data.

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stability Noun

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[stuh-bil-i-tee]

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stability

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The state of a system, such as the climate, where conditions remain relatively constant and balanced over time.

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Example: Energy flows in the climate system show stability by balancing incoming and outgoing energy.

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energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

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energy

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The capacity to cause change; in climate science, it often refers to the energy that comes from the sun.

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Example: The sun emits energy that travels to Earth, shown by arrows pointing from the sun to Earth.

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absorb Verb

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[ab-sorb]

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absorb

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To take in or soak up matter or energy, such as when the Earth's surface absorbs energy from sunlight.

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Example: The Earth's surface absorbs sunlight, warming the planet.

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atmosphere Noun

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[at-muhs-feer]

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atmosphere

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The layer of mixed gases that surrounds a planet, held in place by the planet's gravitational pull.

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Example: The image shows Earth's atmosphere layers, each labeled with altitude and temperature, illustrating the concept of atmospheric layers.

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carbon dioxide Noun

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[kar-buhn dy-ok-sahyd]

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carbon dioxide

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A greenhouse gas (CO2) in the atmosphere that traps heat, released naturally and by burning fossil fuels.

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Example: The image shows the molecular structure of carbon dioxide (CO2), helping students understand it as a greenhouse gas.