The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change Flashcards

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  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

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  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth because some energy from the Sun is trapped by gases in the atmosphere.

What is meant by a greenhouse gas?

A greenhouse gas is a gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, helping to keep the Earth warm.

Describe the main steps in the greenhouse effect.

Energy from the Sun passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth’s surface. The surface then gives out infrared radiation, which greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit, so more energy stays in the atmosphere.

Why is the natural greenhouse effect important for life on Earth?

It keeps the Earth warm enough for liquid water and living things. Without it, the average temperature would be far colder.

What is meant by global warming?

Global warming is the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface.

How can an increase in greenhouse gases cause global warming?

More greenhouse gases trap more infrared radiation, so less heat escapes to space and the Earth’s average temperature rises.

What is meant by climate change?

Climate change is long-term change in the Earth’s climate, including changes to temperature, rainfall and the frequency of storms.

Give one possible effect of climate change on sea levels.

Higher temperatures can melt ice and warm the oceans, causing sea levels to rise and increasing the risk of coastal flooding.

Give one possible effect of climate change on weather patterns.

Climate change can lead to more frequent or more severe extreme weather, such as heatwaves, droughts or heavy storms.

How might climate change affect living organisms and habitats?

Changes in temperature and rainfall can alter habitats and food supplies, so some species may move, struggle to survive or become extinct.