Climate Over Time

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Climate Change Noun

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[kly-mit cheynj]

Back

Climate Change

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A significant and long-lasting change in the Earth's climate and weather patterns, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind.

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Example: Solar radiation reaches Earth, some is reflected back to space, and some is trapped by greenhouse gases, warming the planet.

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Global Warming Noun

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[gloh-buhl wor-ming]

Back

Global Warming

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The increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans, specifically caused by the increase of greenhouse gases.

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Example: The image shows how greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, warming the Earth.

Front

Troposphere Noun

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[troh-puh-sfeer]

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Troposphere

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The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where most weather occurs and where average temperatures have been observed to rise.

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Example: The image shows the troposphere as the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs and temperatures vary.

Front

Greenhouse Gas Noun

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[green-hous gas]

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Greenhouse Gas

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A gas in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide or methane, that traps thermal energy, contributing to the warming of the Earth.

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Example: Sunlight enters Earth's atmosphere, and greenhouse gases like CO2 trap heat, warming the planet.

Front

Fossil Fuels Noun

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[fos-uhl fyoo-uhls]

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Fossil Fuels

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Natural fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient organisms, that release carbon dioxide when burned.

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Example: Shows coal, oil, and natural gas as main fossil fuels.

Front

Carbon Dioxide Noun

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[kar-buhn dy-ok-sahyd]

Back

Carbon Dioxide

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A major greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels and by respiration, removed from the atmosphere by trees during photosynthesis.

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Example: Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, helping them produce oxygen and sugars.

Front

Glacier Noun

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[gley-sher]

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Glacier

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A large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow on mountains or near the poles, which is melting more quickly.

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Example: Different types of glaciers like valley and tidewater glaciers are shown, illustrating how glaciers form and move.

Front

Ice Sheet Noun

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[ahys sheet]

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Ice Sheet

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A vast, permanent layer of ice covering an extensive area of land, particularly in polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland.

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Example: The image shows an ice sheet covering land, with labels for ice shelf and sea ice, explaining its structure.

Front

Permafrost Noun

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[pur-muh-frost]

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Permafrost

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Soil, rock, or sediment that is frozen for more than two consecutive years, found in polar regions and now melting.

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Example: The image shows permafrost beneath an active layer, illustrating frozen soil in polar regions.

Front

Methane Noun

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[meth-eyn]

Back

Methane

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A powerful greenhouse gas that is a primary component of natural gas and is released into the atmosphere when permafrost melts.

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Example: Methane is a greenhouse gas released by cows, shown here with the chemical formula CH4.