Earth Systems
This is the system of Earth that contains all living things
biosphere
This is the original name for the theory that Alfred Wegener came up with
continental drift theory
The collection of parts within a defined boundary
sysetm
What is the Earth's average temperature? (in Celsius or Fahrenheit)
15 decrees C or 59 degrees F
Photosynthesis
This is the system of Earth that contains all the water (solid, gas, and liquid)
hydrosphere
He originally said this force was responsible for moving the continents (two possible answers)
tidal forces or centrifugal forces
This specific effect describes how when ice melts, darker surfaces underneath are exposed, which leads to greater heat absorption which leads to faster melting
ice albedo effect
The Earth's surface absorbs what kind of electromagnetic radiation?
Short wave visible light from the sun
These microscopic organisms are capable of photosynthesis and a significant carbon sink.
Phytoplankton
This causes a system to move in the same direction
positive feedback loop
This is the modern name for the theory that Alfred Wegener came up with
plate tectonic theory
This describes something that produces more carbon than it absorbs
carbon source
What percent of solar energy is reflected back into space before it can be absorbed by the Earth?
29%
This is the process by which gasses, such as carbon dioxide, move from a higher concentration to a lower concentration.
diffusion
This is formed when tectonic plates slide across one another
transform boundary
Name one line of evidence that he proposed for his theory
-continents fitting together
-similar rock strata between mountain ranges
-fossils of the same species being found on different continents (including tropical species in Antarctica
What kind of radiation can greenhouse gasses absorb?
long wave infrared radiation
This is the measure of reflectivity of a surface and determines how much energy it will absorb or reflect?
albedo effect
What is the largest carbon reservoir on Earth? (stores the most carbon for the longest time)
sedimentary rock
These two metals determine the magnetic poles and are found in the Earth's core (NEED BOTH METALS TO GET THE POINTS)
iron and nickel
He died in this country on an expedition meant to resupply another research party.
Greenland
Whichever competitor can write down all of the greenhouse gasses faster wins the points.
nitrous oxide
carbon dioxide
methane
water vapor
Wetlands, the processing of fossil fuels, termite, and cows are sources of which greenhouse gas?
methane
This is a specialized stomach that contains bacteria capable of breaking down cellulose, and, by doing so, they produce methane.
rumen