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APES
Global warming
26
Environmental Studies
11th Grade
04/09/2013

Additional Environmental Studies Flashcards

 


 

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Term
global warming
Definition
an increase in the earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse effect.
Term
Nitrous Oxide
Definition
a greenhouse gas that traps 3-10 times more heat than CO2. Sources: Inorganic fertilizers and combustion of fossil fuels.
Term
Geenhouse effect
Definition
warming that results when solar radiation is trapped by the atmosphere
Term
Cap and Trade
Definition
set a limit (cap) and allow trading of CO2 offsets as a community
Term
Carbon Dioxide Co2
Definition
Deforestation is a significant factor related to the increase of this substance, as well as combustion of fossil fuels Increasing at a rate of 2ppm/year
Term
Carbon Sequestration(CCS)
Definition
the removal and storage of carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks (such as oceans, forests or soils) through biochemical processes.
Term
Carbon sink
Definition
places of carbon accumulation such as in large forests (organic compounds) or ocean sediments (calcium carbonate); carbon is thus removed from the carbon cycle for moderately long to very long periods of time.
Term
CFCs
Definition
strongest ozone depleting compound and strong greenhouse gas. were used as a refrigerant and in Styrofoam. persistant, Banned in Montreal protocol due to ozone depletion
Term
Methane (CH4)
Definition
Produced by certain anaerobic processes. Survives about 12 years in the atmosphere. Sources: above coal and oil deposits, cattle belches, landfills, and trapped below permafrost
Term
Soot (black carbon)
Definition
traps heat in hydrosphere. recently realized as a role in global warming. 3rd largest source of GW. Particular matter rather than gas makes it linger shortly in air. sources: burning of forests, biomass, and diesel fuel
Term
stratospheric ozone
Definition
ozone layer that blocks UV radiation
Term
trophospheric ozone (ground level O3)
Definition
secondary pollutant resulting from interactions between sun, heat, nitrogen oxide, and carbon chemicals. Includes volatile organic compounds and traps heat in the lower atmosphere.
Term
water vapor
Definition
Most abundant greenhouse gas. Positive feedback loop to global warming b/c as the atmosphere increases in temp, it becomes more abundant
Term
aerosols
Definition
tiny solid particles or liquid droplets that remain suspended in the atmosphere for a long time
Term
carbon capture
Definition
the technique of capturing CO2 from coal or oil fired power plants and burying it deep underground, to keep it out of the atmosphere
Term
carbon footprint
Definition
measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide
Term
carbon neutrality
Definition
the state in which an individual, business, or institution emits no net carbon to the atmosphere
Term
paleoclimate
Definition
the study of climate change taken on the scale of the entire history of Earth. It uses records from ice sheets, tree rings, sediment, and rocks to determine the past state of the climate system on Earth.
Term
Atmosphere
Definition
An envelope of gases surrounding the earth.
Term
Pollution
Definition
The biggest factor affecting global warming.
Term
Global Warming Response Act
Definition
set statewide limits on greenhouse gas emissions in July 2007
Term
New Jersey Energy Master Plan
Definition
methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production, processing, distribution, transmission, storage, or use of energy.
Term
Global Warming Solutions Fund Act
Definition
The law directs that auction proceeds be used to: fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and innovative greenhouse gas reduction technologies; promote local government greenhouse gas reduction efforts; preserve and restore forests and tidal marshes; and reduce energy demands and costs for low- and moderate-income New Jersey citizens.
Term
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Definition
is designed to stabilize and then reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electric power plants through a regional carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program.
Term
Kyoto Protocol
Definition
an international treaty which seeks to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced by participating countries
Term
Clean Air Act
Definition
law that defines EPA's responsibilities for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer.
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