Earth's spheres
name Earths 4 spheres
atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere/geosphere
what is the difference between weather and climate?
weather is short-term; climate is long-term average conditions
What is the main gas involved in the carbon cycle?
CO2
What is the greenhouse effect?
The process where greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere
What is global warming?
The increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to rising greenhouse gases
which sphere contains all living things
biosphere
Give one example of weather and one of climate.
Weather: It’s raining today. Climate: Summers are usually hot and dry.
How do plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
photosynthesis
Name three main greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour
Name 2 human causes of global warming.
Burning fossil fuels, agriculture, or deforestation
the cryosphere would be found in which of earth's 4 spheres?
hydrosphere
Which factors influence an area’s climate?
Latitude, altitude, ocean currents, wind patterns
What process releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere?
Respiration, combustion, decomposition
Why is the natural greenhouse effect important?
It keeps Earth warm enough to support life
What are some potential impacts of global warming?
Rising sea levels, melting ice, more extreme weather, habitat loss
when rocks erode, which 2 spheres are interacting?
hydrosphere and geosphere
Why do coastal areas usually have milder climates than inland areas?
Water heats and cools slower than land, moderating temperature
How can the ocean act as a carbon sink?
It absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Extra heat trapped due to increased greenhouse gases from human activity
Explain how the carbon cycle and global warming are linked.
Human actions add excess carbon to the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect and increasing global temperatures
how does the biosphere rely/interact with the atmosphere?
oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases needed for life
How can global climate patterns be affected by ocean currents?
Currents move warm or cold water, changing regional temperatures and rainfall
Explain how burning fossil fuels affects the carbon cycle.
It releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere as CO₂, increasing greenhouse gases
How does deforestation contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Fewer trees absorb CO₂, increasing its concentration in the atmosphere
Explain how one human activity can cause interactions between multiple Earth spheres and contribute to climate change.
Burning fossil fuels (lithosphere) releases CO₂ into the atmosphere, affecting temperature (atmosphere), ocean absorption (hydrosphere), and living organisms (biosphere).