Greenhouse Gases
What are greenhouse gases?
Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat.
What is a volcanic eruption, and how does it affect climate?
Volcanic eruption releases ash and gases, including sulfur dioxide (SO₂), into the atmosphere. This can lead to temporary cooling by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth,
Where does Carbon travel in the carbon cycle?
Atmosphere, Biosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere
What is a carbon footprint?
Amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual.
What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are natural resources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years.
What are the 3 greenhouse gases we have talked about?
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Water (H2O)
Methane (CH4)
How do ocean currents influence climate patterns?
Ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, play a vital role in distributing heat across the planet. They can affect regional climates by influencing temperature and precipitation patterns, contributing to the overall climate system.
How does the carbon cycle work?
The carbon cycle is the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!
Which of the following human activities is the largest source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions?
D - Burning of Fossil Fuels
Coal, Oil and Natural Gas
What role do greenhouse gases play in climate change?
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures, changes in weather patterns, and other impacts associated with climate change.
Which of the following examples is not a natural event that influences Earth’s climate?
volcano erupting
tide changing
meteorite impacting
ocean current changing
tide changing
What role do animals play in the carbon cycle?
Animals contribute to the carbon cycle by consuming plants (and other animals) and respiring carbon dioxide (CO₂) back into the atmosphere through the process of cellular respiration.
How do human activities influence the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to enhanced greenhouse effect and climate change.
What are the main uses of fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are primarily used for energy production
What is the significance of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the context of greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is significant because it is the most abundant greenhouse gas and has a long atmospheric lifetime, contributing to long-term climate change.
What is the greenhouse effect, and why is it important for climate?
The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life. It is essential for maintaining temperatures; however, increased concentrations of greenhouse gases can lead to global warming.
What is the process of decomposition in the carbon cycle?
Decomposition is the breakdown of dead organic matter by microorganisms, which releases carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO₂) or into the soil as organic matter, completing the cycle.
How do human activities impact the carbon cycle?
Human activities, such as deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture, can increase carbon emissions, and disrupt the balance of the carbon cycle, contributing to climate change.
What is the environmental impact of fossil fuel use?
Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
How are each of the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!
Explain the difference between natural and "human-made" greenhouse gases.
Natural greenhouse gases include those produced by natural processes, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide from respiration and volcanic eruptions.
"Human-made" greenhouse gases are those released through human activities, such as CO₂ from burning fossil fuels and methane from agriculture and waste.
How does carbon move from the atmosphere to the biosphere in the carbon cycle?
when plants make their own food
when animals take in that stored carbon
when decomposers return carbon compounds to soil
when humans burn fossil fuels
when plants make their own food
How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle and climate change?
Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO₂, increasing atmospheric carbon levels. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.
What are some alternatives to fossil fuels?
Alternatives to fossil fuels include renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy.