global warming

• What is the main difference between global warming and climate change?

  Global warming refers to temperature rise; climate change refers to its effects
• What is the atmosphere's role for life on Earth?

  It acts as an insulating blanket
• How does the atmosphere keep the Earth at a stable temperature?

  By absorbing and re-emitting heat energy
• What temperature extremes does the moon experience?

  100 degrees to -200 degrees
• What happens to the sun's heat energy when it reaches the Earth's surface?

  Some is absorbed, most is re-emitted or reflected
• What occurs to energy absorbed by gas particles in the atmosphere?

  It is re-emitted in random directions
• How does the greenhouse effect contribute to global warming?

  It traps heat energy close to Earth
• How has the strength of the greenhouse effect changed over Earth's history?

  It has grown and shrunk repeatedly
• What is the current trend in Earth's temperature over the past century?

  It has increased by almost one degree
• What does climate change refer to?

  The effects of global warming on climate
• What does climate describe?

  Long-term weather patterns
• What are some consequences of global warming?

  More common and severe weather events
• What are the two reasons for sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and expanding warm water
• How does melting ice contribute to sea level rise?

  It flows into the ocean, increasing volume
• What impact does rising sea levels have on coastal areas?

  It leads to flooding and submersion
• How does climate change affect wild organisms?

  It alters temperatures and rainfall patterns
• What happens to species that cannot adapt to climate change?

  They may not survive or migrate fast enough
• What is the expected trend in biodiversity due to climate change?

  Biodiversity is likely to fall dramatically
• What are the main processes involved in the greenhouse effect?

  • Absorption of heat by greenhouse gases
  • Re-emission of heat in random directions
  • Trapping of heat close to Earth's surface
• What are the consequences of global warming on weather patterns?

  • Increased frequency of droughts
  • More severe hurricanes
  • More intense floods
• What are the two main causes of sea level rise?

  • Melting ice from higher temperatures
  • Expansion of warming ocean water
• How does climate change impact species adaptation?

  • Some species adapt or migrate
  • Many species cannot adapt quickly enough
  • Biodiversity is expected to decline