AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Earths Geography And Climate

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Earths Geography And Climate, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify the main factor that affects the speed of wind.

Answer: The pressure gradient force. Air moves from high to low pressure areas, creating wind velocity.

Flashcard 2: What is the primary source of natural aerosols in the atmosphere?

Answer: Volcanic eruptions and sea spray. Natural particles suspended in atmosphere affect climate and visibility.

Flashcard 3: What is the formula for calculating albedo?

Answer: $\frac{\text{reflected radiation}}{\text{incoming radiation}}$. Measures surface reflectivity as a ratio from 0 (dark) to 1 (bright).

Flashcard 4: Define the term 'permafrost'.

Answer: Ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Forms in areas where summer thaw doesn't reach subsurface layers.

Flashcard 5: What is the dominant wind pattern in the tropics called?

Answer: Trade winds. Consistent easterly winds between 30°N and 30°S latitudes.

Flashcard 6: What is the definition of the Coriolis Effect?

Answer: The deflection of moving objects caused by Earth's rotation. Results from Earth's rotation deflecting moving air and water masses.

Flashcard 7: Which process is responsible for the natural greenhouse effect?

Answer: Absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by gases. Gases trap outgoing heat while allowing incoming solar radiation through.

Flashcard 8: Which current flows along the eastern coast of the United States?

Answer: The Gulf Stream. Warm Atlantic current moderating eastern US and European climates.

Flashcard 9: Which process is responsible for the natural greenhouse effect?

Answer: Absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by gases. Gases trap outgoing heat while allowing incoming solar radiation through.

Flashcard 10: What is the primary function of the thermohaline circulation?

Answer: Regulating global climate by ocean heat distribution. Deep ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Flashcard 11: What is the primary function of the thermohaline circulation?

Answer: Regulating global climate by ocean heat distribution. Deep ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Flashcard 12: Name the effect that causes Earth's winds to curve.

Answer: The Coriolis Effect. Earth's rotation causes deflection of moving air masses.

Flashcard 13: Which human activity significantly contributes to ocean acidification?

Answer: Burning fossil fuels, increasing CO₂ in oceans. Excess atmospheric CO₂ dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid.

Flashcard 14: State the primary cause of urban heat islands.

Answer: Increased heat absorption due to concrete and asphalt. Dark surfaces absorb more heat than natural vegetation or soil.

Flashcard 15: What is the term for the long-term average of weather patterns in an area?

Answer: Climate. Averaged over 30+ years, distinguishes from short-term weather.

Flashcard 16: Identify the primary cause of Earth's seasons.

Answer: The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun. Earth's 23.5° axial tilt creates varying solar angles throughout the year.

Flashcard 17: What term describes the gradual warming of Earth's surface?

Answer: Global warming. Rising average temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.

Flashcard 18: Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

Answer: The stratosphere. Located 10-50 km above Earth's surface, filters harmful UV radiation.

Flashcard 19: Identify the effect of volcanic eruptions on climate.

Answer: Temporary cooling due to aerosols reflecting sunlight. Ash and sulfur particles reflect incoming solar radiation back to space.

Flashcard 20: What is the formula for calculating albedo?

Answer: $\frac{\text{reflected radiation}}{\text{incoming radiation}}$. Measures surface reflectivity as a ratio from 0 (dark) to 1 (bright).

Flashcard 21: Identify the type of biome characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity.

Answer: Tropical rainforest. Warm, wet conditions near equator support maximum species diversity.

Flashcard 22: Which process describes the movement of water from the surface to the atmosphere?

Answer: Evaporation. Phase change requiring energy input, cooling the surface below.

Flashcard 23: What is the main driver of ocean currents?

Answer: Wind patterns and differences in water density. Surface winds and density differences from temperature/salinity variations.

Flashcard 24: Which current flows along the eastern coast of the United States?

Answer: The Gulf Stream. Warm Atlantic current moderating eastern US and European climates.

Flashcard 25: Name the effect that causes Earth's winds to curve.

Answer: The Coriolis Effect. Earth's rotation causes deflection of moving air masses.

Flashcard 26: Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

Answer: The stratosphere. Located 10-50 km above Earth's surface, filters harmful UV radiation.

Flashcard 27: What is the definition of the Coriolis Effect?

Answer: The deflection of moving objects caused by Earth's rotation. Results from Earth's rotation deflecting moving air and water masses.

Flashcard 28: Identify the primary cause of Earth's seasons.

Answer: The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun. Earth's 23.5° axial tilt creates varying solar angles throughout the year.

Flashcard 29: What is the primary consequence of the El Niño phenomenon?

Answer: Disruption of weather patterns worldwide. Warm Pacific waters alter atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns.

Flashcard 30: Identify the type of biome characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity.

Answer: Tropical rainforest. Warm, wet conditions near equator support maximum species diversity.

Flashcard 31: What is the primary source of energy for the Earth's climate system?

Answer: The Sun. Provides 99.97% of Earth's energy through electromagnetic radiation.

Flashcard 32: Which factor primarily influences oceanic circulation?

Answer: Wind patterns and Earth's rotation. Coriolis effect and atmospheric pressure drive surface currents.

Flashcard 33: Name the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Answer: Photosynthesis. Converts CO₂ and water into glucose using chlorophyll and sunlight.

Flashcard 34: What is a consequence of deforestation on climate?

Answer: Increased carbon dioxide levels and reduced rainfall. Trees absorb CO₂ and release water vapor through transpiration.

Flashcard 35: What is the main reason for the decrease in Arctic sea ice?

Answer: Rising global temperatures. Warming atmosphere and ocean reduce ice formation and increase melting.

Flashcard 36: Identify the main cause of sea level rise in recent decades.

Answer: Melting ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater. Warming causes ice volume loss and water molecules to expand.

Flashcard 37: Identify the main factor that affects the speed of wind.

Answer: The pressure gradient force. Air moves from high to low pressure areas, creating wind velocity.

Flashcard 38: Which factor primarily influences oceanic circulation?

Answer: Wind patterns and Earth's rotation. Coriolis effect and atmospheric pressure drive surface currents.

Flashcard 39: What is the primary consequence of the El Niño phenomenon?

Answer: Disruption of weather patterns worldwide. Warm Pacific waters alter atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns.

Flashcard 40: Which climate zone experiences the most precipitation?

Answer: Tropical climate zone. Warm air near equator holds more moisture and rises frequently.

Flashcard 41: Define the term 'permafrost'.

Answer: Ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Forms in areas where summer thaw doesn't reach subsurface layers.

Flashcard 42: What is a consequence of deforestation on climate?

Answer: Increased carbon dioxide levels and reduced rainfall. Trees absorb CO₂ and release water vapor through transpiration.

Flashcard 43: What is the main cause of acid rain?

Answer: Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Industrial emissions form acids when combined with atmospheric water.

Flashcard 44: Which climate zone experiences the most precipitation?

Answer: Tropical climate zone. Warm air near equator holds more moisture and rises frequently.

Flashcard 45: Which atmospheric layer is closest to Earth's surface?

Answer: The troposphere. Extends from surface to ~12 km, contains most weather phenomena.

Flashcard 46: Which human activity is the largest source of methane emissions?

Answer: Agriculture, particularly rice paddies and livestock. Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields and ruminant digestion.

Flashcard 47: Define 'weather'.

Answer: The short-term state of the atmosphere in a specific place. Current atmospheric conditions, changes over hours to days.

Flashcard 48: What influences the global distribution of deserts?

Answer: High-pressure systems and descending dry air. Subtropical high-pressure zones create arid conditions around 30° latitude.

Flashcard 49: Which atmospheric layer is closest to Earth's surface?

Answer: The troposphere. Extends from surface to ~12 km, contains most weather phenomena.

Flashcard 50: Identify the effect of volcanic eruptions on climate.

Answer: Temporary cooling due to aerosols reflecting sunlight. Ash and sulfur particles reflect incoming solar radiation back to space.

Flashcard 51: What is the dominant wind pattern in the tropics called?

Answer: Trade winds. Consistent easterly winds between 30°N and 30°S latitudes.

Flashcard 52: Define 'climate change'.

Answer: Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns. Distinguishes from natural climate variability by human influence.

Flashcard 53: What is the term for the long-term average of weather patterns in an area?

Answer: Climate. Averaged over 30+ years, distinguishes from short-term weather.

Flashcard 54: What is the primary source of natural aerosols in the atmosphere?

Answer: Volcanic eruptions and sea spray. Natural particles suspended in atmosphere affect climate and visibility.

Flashcard 55: Identify the main cause of sea level rise in recent decades.

Answer: Melting ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater. Warming causes ice volume loss and water molecules to expand.

Flashcard 56: Identify the most significant human activity contributing to climate change.

Answer: Burning fossil fuels. Releases stored carbon, increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.

Flashcard 57: Which human activity is the largest source of methane emissions?

Answer: Agriculture, particularly rice paddies and livestock. Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields and ruminant digestion.

Flashcard 58: What is the role of the ozone layer?

Answer: It absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation. Protects life by filtering out 97-99% of harmful UV-B radiation.

Flashcard 59: Name the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Answer: Photosynthesis. Converts CO₂ and water into glucose using chlorophyll and sunlight.

Flashcard 60: What is the role of the ozone layer?

Answer: It absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation. Protects life by filtering out 97-99% of harmful UV-B radiation.

Flashcard 61: State the primary cause of urban heat islands.

Answer: Increased heat absorption due to concrete and asphalt. Dark surfaces absorb more heat than natural vegetation or soil.

Flashcard 62: Define 'weather'.

Answer: The short-term state of the atmosphere in a specific place. Current atmospheric conditions, changes over hours to days.

Flashcard 63: What is the main driver of ocean currents?

Answer: Wind patterns and differences in water density. Surface winds and density differences from temperature/salinity variations.

Flashcard 64: Define 'climate change'.

Answer: Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns. Distinguishes from natural climate variability by human influence.

Flashcard 65: Which process describes the movement of water from the surface to the atmosphere?

Answer: Evaporation. Phase change requiring energy input, cooling the surface below.

Flashcard 66: What term describes the gradual warming of Earth's surface?

Answer: Global warming. Rising average temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.

Flashcard 67: Define the term 'biome'.

Answer: A large ecosystem characterized by specific climate and species. Defined by temperature, precipitation, and characteristic vegetation.

Flashcard 68: What is the main cause of acid rain?

Answer: Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Industrial emissions form acids when combined with atmospheric water.

Flashcard 69: What influences the global distribution of deserts?

Answer: High-pressure systems and descending dry air. Subtropical high-pressure zones create arid conditions around 30° latitude.