Climate Change

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Weather Noun

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[weth-er]

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Weather

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The short-term state of the atmosphere at a specific place and time regarding heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, and rain.

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Example: This image displays eight examples of weather, such as sunny, rain, and snow, which are short-term conditions of the 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 particular region, typically measured over a period of 30 years or more.

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Example: This diagram shows the greenhouse effect: the sun's energy warms the Earth, and gases in the atmosphere trap some of this heat, regulating the planet's climate.

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Climate System Noun

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[kly-mit sis-tuhm]

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Climate System

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The complex, interactive system of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere that determines Earth's climate.

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Example: The Earth's climate system is made of interacting parts: the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (land), and biosphere (living things).

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Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muh-sfeer]

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Atmosphere

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The envelope of gases that surrounds the Earth or another planet, held in place by its own gravity.

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Example: This diagram shows the Earth's atmosphere is divided into five main layers, each with different altitudes and temperatures, from the ground up to space.

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Greenhouse Effect Noun

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[green-hous ih-fekt]

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Greenhouse Effect

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The natural warming process where certain atmospheric gases trap heat radiated from Earth's surface, keeping the planet warm.

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Example: Solar radiation from the sun enters Earth's atmosphere, and greenhouse gases trap some of the heat, warming the planet.

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Greenhouse Gases Noun

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[green-hous gas-iz]

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Greenhouse Gases

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Atmospheric gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, that absorb and emit radiant energy, causing the greenhouse effect.

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Example: Gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere trap heat radiated from Earth, preventing it from escaping into space, which causes the greenhouse effect.

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Troposphere Noun

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[troh-puh-sfeer]

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Troposphere

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The lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface, where most weather phenomena occur.

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Example: This diagram shows the Troposphere as the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather phenomena like clouds and rain occur, and airplanes fly.

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Solar Radiation Noun

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[soh-ler rey-dee-ey-shuhn]

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Solar Radiation

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Radiant energy emitted by the sun, particularly electromagnetic energy, that travels through space and reaches Earth's atmosphere.

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Example: The Sun sends out energy in the form of radiation, which travels through space and warms the Earth.

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Carbon Dioxide Noun

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[kar-buhn dahy-ok-sahyd]

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Carbon Dioxide

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A colorless gas that is a primary greenhouse gas, produced by burning carbon and by organismal respiration.

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Example: Burning hydrocarbons, like fossil fuels, combines them with oxygen in a combustion reaction, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas.

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Methane Noun

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[meth-eyn]

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Methane

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A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is the main constituent of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas.

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Example: Livestock, such as cows, release methane (CH4) gas into the atmosphere through their digestive processes, contributing to the greenhouse effect.