One reason oceans absorb so much heat
high specific heat, cover 70% of Earth's surface, mixing of ocean currents
This type of radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases, resulting in the warming of Earth
What is infrared (IR) radiation?
Climate change is causing an increase in these two things (need both!)
What are temperature and sea level?
As temperature increases, the amount of O2 water can hold _____
What is decreases?
Invasive species tend to have these two characteristics
What are R-Selected & Generalists
The presence of the ozone layers prevents these two major health problems
What are skin cancer and cataracts?
This is the most abundant greenhouse gas in our atmosphere
What is water vapor?
The melting of permafrost releases this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere
methane
When the pH in oceans decreases it is harder for coral to make skeletons because there is less ___________.
calcium carbonate
Describe two ways to control invasive species.
public education, quarantine, chemical, biological, and mechanical controls
This class of anthropogenic gases have the highest known GWP levels
What are fluorinated gases?
This GHG is produced at landfills
What is methane?
In addition to melting of ice, this is another cause of sea level rise
What is thermal expansion?
The global ocean is absorbing this much of the CO2 released into the atmosphere.
30%
Name a cause of natural endangerment
Starvation
Being outcompeted by other similar species
Excessive predation
Natural disaster
Loss of habitat through natural means
Impediments to mating
Natural stratospheric ozone depletion is caused by this
What is the formation of clouds in the Antarctic?
Accept: Spring melting, which aids in the formation of those clouds
Name two sources of greenhouse gases stemming from agricultural practices.
What are over-irrigation, fertilizer use, and raising livestock?
This portion of the world is warming most rapidly.
What are the poles?
Describe how the pH of the ocean is changing
The pH of the ocean is decreasing - it is becoming more acidic due to CO2 causing an increase in carbonic acid
To protect endangered species, this human activity is often criminalized
What is poaching?
Describe the process by which CFCs cause Ozone depletion.
UV radiation causes Cl to split from CFCs.
Cl + O3 -> ClO + O2
O + ClO -> Cl + O2
Now Cl can break down more O3. It is a catalyst.
Decaying organic matter typically converts into this GHG. However, under conditions lacking O2, it converts into this GHG instead.
What are Carbon Dioxide and Methane?
Describe the positive feedback loop that is causing the poles to warm faster than the rest of the planet
What is loss of ice and snow (high albedo), decreasing reflection of sunlight away and resulting in land / ocean exposure (low albedo) causing an increase in heat absorption
Three ways warmer temperatures affect the oceans
marine ecosystems, intensified weather patterns, coral bleaching, altered ocean currents, increased acidity
One of the legislations passed to protect endangered species
What is the Endangered Species Act and CITES?