key term - Increased Temperature

Definition

Increased temperature refers to the rise in average global temperatures due to factors like greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. This phenomenon has significant implications for local environments, ecosystems, and weather patterns, particularly in regions like New Mexico, where rising temperatures can exacerbate existing environmental challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In New Mexico, increased temperature is expected to raise the average annual temperature by 2 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.
2. Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent and severe droughts in New Mexico, impacting water supply and agriculture.
3. Increased temperatures can enhance evaporation rates, leading to reduced soil moisture and increased irrigation demands for crops.
4. Higher temperatures can disrupt local ecosystems, leading to shifts in plant and animal species as they adapt or move to new habitats.
5. Wildfire risks are heightened with increased temperatures, as dry conditions and hotter weather create a more favorable environment for fires to ignite and spread.

Review Questions

• How does increased temperature specifically affect agricultural practices in New Mexico?
  • Increased temperature impacts agricultural practices in New Mexico by elevating evaporation rates, which leads to decreased soil moisture levels. This forces farmers to use more water for irrigation, putting additional strain on already limited water resources. Additionally, changing weather patterns can alter growing seasons, affecting crop yields and requiring farmers to adapt their planting strategies.
• Discuss the relationship between increased temperature and drought frequency in New Mexico.
  • Increased temperature is closely linked to the frequency of drought events in New Mexico. As temperatures rise, evaporation rates increase, leading to drier conditions that can exacerbate drought. This cycle can result in longer and more severe drought periods, affecting not only agriculture but also water availability for residents and ecosystems throughout the region.
• Evaluate the long-term environmental consequences of increased temperature on New Mexico's biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • The long-term environmental consequences of increased temperature on New Mexico's biodiversity include shifts in species distributions, habitat loss, and potential extinction of sensitive species unable to adapt. As temperatures rise, many plants and animals may struggle to survive in their current habitats, leading to changes in ecosystem dynamics. This can create a ripple effect, disrupting food webs and potentially reducing overall biodiversity in the region.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane released into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming.

Drought: An extended period of below-average precipitation that can lead to water shortages, agricultural impacts, and increased wildfire risks.

Ecosystem Disruption: Alterations to the natural balance of ecosystems caused by changes in climate, leading to shifts in species distribution and habitat loss.