Greenhouse Gases & Atmosphere
This greenhouse gas is released from livestock and wetlands and is more potent than CO₂.
methane (CH₄)
These are preserved air bubbles used to study past atmospheric conditions.
ice cores
This system includes the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.
the climate system
Burning fossil fuels releases this gas most directly.
carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Planting trees helps reduce atmospheric CO₂ through this process.
photosynthesis
This gas is released from fertilizers and contributes to acid rain and warming.
nitrous oxide (N₂O)
The dark and light patterns in these natural records show past climate changes.
tree rings
This occurs when melting ice reduces reflection of sunlight and increases warming.
the albedo effect feedback
This graph trend shows average global temperature over time.
a rising trend (global warming trend)
Using wind and solar energy instead of fossil fuels is an example of this.
renewable energy
Water vapour acts as this type of climate feedback.
a positive feedback
These are indirect sources of climate information used when no direct measurements exist.
proxy data
Explain how melting permafrost can increase climate change.
because it releases trapped methane and CO₂
A scientist compares temperature data from 1900–2000. This type of study is called this.
a long-term data analysis
This process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon from the atmosphere.
carbon sequestration
Explain why methane has a stronger warming effect than carbon dioxide.
because it traps more heat per molecule in the atmosphere
A narrow tree ring usually indicates this type of growing condition.
a cold or dry year
Rising ocean temperatures affect dissolved oxygen levels and impact this type of organism first.
aquatic life (especially fish)
A sudden spike in CO₂ levels is most often linked to this human activity.
industrialization / fossil fuel combustion
Improving building insulation reduces this type of energy use.
heating and cooling energy consumption
A warmer atmosphere holds more of this greenhouse gas, which increases warming further.
water vapour
Explain why proxy data is necessary for studying ancient climate.
because direct measurements only exist for recent history
A forest is replaced by farmland. Explain two effects on the carbon cycle.
reduced CO₂ absorption and increased CO₂ release from soil/clearing
Explain why correlation does not always mean causation in climate data.
because two variables may be related but not directly causing each other without further evidence
Explain why reducing meat consumption can help reduce climate change.
because livestock produce methane and require high resource use