Climate
Why does the equatorial region get more sunlight than the polar regions?
The equator gets more sunlight because the Sun’s rays hit it directly, while at the poles, the rays are spread out over a larger area.
What is the main source of pollutants that cause acid rain?
Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), causing acid rain.
How do oceans impact climate change?
Oceans absorb heat and CO₂, regulating climate.
How is carbon cycled through the biosphere?
Carbon moves through the air, plants, animals, and soil via photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.
What is a greenhouse gas? What effect does it have?
A greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth. Examples: CO₂, CH₄, H₂O vapor.
How is acid rain formed?
Acid rain forms when SO₂ and NOₓ react with water and oxygen in the air.
What happens when large amounts of carbon dioxide enter the oceans?
Excess CO₂ makes oceans acidic, harming marine life.
How do trees and other plants add biomass?
Plants grow by absorbing CO₂ and turning it into biomass.
What are the positive and negative effects of climate change?
What would the pH of acid rain be?
Acid rain has a pH of 4.0–4.5
What happens to living organisms in the ocean as the temperature increases?
Warmer oceans cause coral bleaching and force marine animals to migrate.
Where is most of the earth’s carbon stored?
Most carbon is stored in oceans, soil, and fossil fuels. Soil holds the most carbon.
How are living organisms coping with climate change?
Organisms adapt by migrating, changing behavior, or evolving. Some struggle and face extinction
What is the pH of normal rain/precipitation?
Normal rain has a pH of 5.6
What happens to living organisms as the oceans become more acidic?
Acidic oceans weaken shells and disrupt marine food chains.
How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?
Deforestation releases CO₂, reducing Earth's ability to absorb carbon.
Describe the trend of carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere over the last 100 years.
CO₂ levels have increased from ~300 ppm to over 400 ppm in the last 100 years due to burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
How does carbon dioxide influence surface temperature?
CO₂ traps heat, warming the Earth's surface.
Describe the consequences of deforestation on ocean ecosystems.
Deforestation leads to soil erosion, harming marine ecosystems and increasing CO₂ in the air.
Describe the stages of deforestation.
Deforestation stages: Cutting trees → Soil degradation → Erosion → Habitat loss → More CO₂ in air.