Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This phenomenon is closely linked to climate change, which includes various environmental shifts and disruptions resulting from rising temperatures. Global warming has been a significant factor in the geological history of Earth, impacting ecosystems, sea levels, and extinction events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Cretaceous period, global temperatures were significantly higher than today, contributing to diverse marine and terrestrial life forms that thrived in warm climates.
2. Evidence suggests that the high levels of atmospheric CO2 during the Cretaceous were due to volcanic activity and changes in ocean circulation.
3. The End-Triassic extinction saw a rapid increase in global temperatures that led to drastic environmental changes, driving many species to extinction.
4. Increased greenhouse gas emissions from volcanic eruptions during the End-Triassic contributed to extreme global warming, disrupting ecosystems.
5. Both the Cretaceous period and End-Triassic extinction highlight how global warming can dramatically reshape biodiversity and influence evolutionary pathways.

Review Questions

• How did global warming during the Cretaceous period influence biodiversity?
  • Global warming during the Cretaceous period created a warm climate that allowed for the proliferation of diverse life forms, both marine and terrestrial. The higher temperatures led to lush vegetation and rich habitats that supported a wide variety of species. Additionally, this era saw increased oceanic temperatures which likely influenced marine species evolution and distribution, ultimately shaping ecosystems as we know them today.
• What role did volcanic activity play in causing global warming during the End-Triassic extinction?
  • Volcanic activity during the End-Triassic was a significant factor driving global warming by releasing vast amounts of greenhouse gases like CO2 into the atmosphere. This surge in greenhouse gases led to a dramatic rise in temperatures, resulting in severe climate shifts that contributed to habitat loss and extinction. The rapid nature of these changes meant many species could not adapt quickly enough, leading to widespread biodiversity loss.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of global warming seen in historical extinction events like those of the Cretaceous and End-Triassic periods on current climate issues.
  • The historical instances of global warming during the Cretaceous and End-Triassic periods offer critical insights into how rising temperatures can lead to mass extinctions and shifts in biodiversity. Analyzing these past events highlights potential outcomes for today's ongoing climate crisis. Current anthropogenic emissions mirror historical greenhouse gas spikes; thus, without intervention, we risk facing similar ecological upheavals. Understanding these patterns can guide modern conservation efforts and inform policy-making aimed at mitigating climate change impacts.

Related terms

Greenhouse Effect: The process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and thereby warming the planet.

Climate Change: The broader set of changes to global weather patterns and conditions caused by global warming, including alterations in precipitation, storms, and seasonal cycles.

Carbon Cycle: The natural process through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals, playing a critical role in regulating Earth's climate.