U8L1E2: Understanding Earth's Climate

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What is global warming?

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Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.

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What is albedo?

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Albedo is the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface. A high albedo means more sunlight is reflected, while a low albedo means more sunlight is absorbed.

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What is a positive feedback loop in the context of climate change?

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A positive feedback loop occurs when an initial change causes further changes that amplify the original effect, such as global warming leading to ice melt, which decreases albedo and increases temperature.

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How does the tilt of the Earth's axis affect climate?

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The tilt of the Earth's axis affects the distribution of solar energy received at different latitudes, influencing seasonal temperature variations.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and thus warming the planet.

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What role do carbon dioxide levels play in global temperatures?

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Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to higher global temperatures.

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What is the significance of the Earth's water cycle in climate?

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The water cycle is crucial for regulating climate, as it involves the movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, influencing temperature and weather patterns.

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What is the difference between climate and weather?

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Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

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What is orbital eccentricity?

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Orbital eccentricity refers to the shape of Earth's orbit around the sun, which can affect the amount of solar energy received and thus influence climate.

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How does deforestation impact climate change?

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Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide, leading to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.