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Climate Change - KS3

Terms in this set (20)

Adaptation
Actions taken to readjust to climate change to reduce the negative impacts of climate change
Anthropocene
Current period of time in which human activity has a dominant influence on climate and the environment.
Atmospheric composition
Chemicals in the earth's atmosphere (including oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen etc.)
Climate Change
A long time change in the earth's climate (an increase or decrease in average temperature)
Climate Cycle
A climate 'pattern' cycling between colder periods (glacials) and warm periods (inter-glacials)
Dendrochronology
Study of tree rings—can be used to infer climate change.
Ecological Footprint
The amount of land and water it takes to support people or a place in terms of the resources consumed and absorption of waste generated.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
The increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities causing more heat to be trapped.
Glacial Period
A period of very cold conditions when ice covers large parts of the earth's surface
Global Warming
An increase in the earth's overall average temperature
Greenhouse Effect
Trapping of sun's energy in the atmosphere due to greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Ice Age
A period of extreme cold global temperatures
Ice Core
Cylinder of ice drilled from an ice sheet
Interglacial Period
A period of warmer temperature between two glacial periods
Kyoto Protocol
An international treaty setting limits on greenhouse gas emissions (signed in 1997)
Mitigation
Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. tackling the cause of climate change.
Orbital Changes
The path of the earth's orbit around the sun varies over time—which can cause changes in climate
Precipitation
Any form of moisture falling from the atmosphere— including rain, sleet and snow.
Quaternary Period
Period of geological time from 2.6 million years ago to today.
Solar Output
Amount of solar radiation from the sun. When there are sun spots (dark patches on the sun) more radiation is released.
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