Question 1

The science that studies Earth's past climates is

Accepted Answer

A) climate change science. 
B) meteorology. 
C) paleoclimatology. 
D) dendrochronology. 
E) limnology 
A) climate change science. 
B) meteorology. 
C) paleoclimatology. 
D) dendrochronology. 
E) limnology C

Question 2

Milankovitch cycles refer to

Accepted Answer

A) changes in Earth-Sun relationships,namely the Earth's orbit around the sun,the Earth's axial rotation,and the Earth's axial tilt. 
B) cyclical changes in solar irradiance caused by increases and decreases in sunspot activity. 
C) increases and decreases in atmospheric gases and aerosols,primarily caused by natural activity such as volcanic activity and changes in net primary productivity. 
D) tectonic changes in continental positions. 
E) topographic changes from orogeny,erosion,and mass wasting. 
A) changes in Earth-Sun relationships,namely the Earth's orbit around the sun,the Earth's axial rotation,and the Earth's axial tilt. 
B) cyclical changes in solar irradiance caused by increases and decreases in sunspot activity. 
C) increases and decreases in atmospheric gases and aerosols,primarily caused by natural activity such as volcanic activity and changes in net primary productivity. 
D) tectonic changes in continental positions. 
E) topographic changes from orogeny,erosion,and mass wasting. A

Question 3

Based on climate reconstructions,there is ample evidence that climates have fluctuated throughout Earth's long history.Describe some of the mechanisms of this climate fluctuations.

Accepted Answer

Several examples may include solar variability (sun spot activity),changes in Earth- Sun relationships (Milankovitch Cycles),plate tectonics and orogenies,and changes in concentrations of atmospheric gases and aerosols.

Question 4

Temperature impacts of aerosols from volcanic eruptions

The graph shows that from 1850 to 2000,five large volcanic eruptions have

Accepted Answer

A) caused a sudden rise in global temperatures,often lasting a decade or more. 
B) led to dramatic increases in regional temperatures over the past century. 
C) increased the amount of acid deposition in areas surrounding the eruptions. 
D) had no noticeable effects on global temperatures,only local and regional temperatures. 
E) resulted in lowered global temperatures for several years. 
A) caused a sudden rise in global temperatures,often lasting a decade or more. 
B) led to dramatic increases in regional temperatures over the past century. 
C) increased the amount of acid deposition in areas surrounding the eruptions. 
D) had no noticeable effects on global temperatures,only local and regional temperatures. 
E) resulted in lowered global temperatures for several years.

Question 5

Global land-ocean temperature trends,1880-2015.The graph shows change in global surface temperatures relative to the 1951-1980 global average.The gray bars represent uncertainty in the measurements.Note the inclusion of both annual average temperature anomalies and 5-year mean temperature anomalies;together,they give a sense of overall trends.[Based on data from NASA/GISS;available at http:// climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/.]
 
Since 1880,global land-ocean temperatures have shown

Accepted Answer

A) a warming trend. 
B) a cooling trend. 
C) an oscillation between warming and cooling. 
D) a cooling trend until 1950,then a rapid warming trend. 
E) no trend. 
A) a warming trend. 
B) a cooling trend. 
C) an oscillation between warming and cooling. 
D) a cooling trend until 1950,then a rapid warming trend. 
E) no trend.

Question 6

Which of the following is not an example of individuals and communities working to mitigate climate change?

Accepted Answer

A) tree planting in exchange for greenhouse gas credits 
B) leaving the decision-making to elected officials 
C) farmers using no-till agriculture 
D) protecting and restoring natural habitats 
E) using renewable energy sources 
A) tree planting in exchange for greenhouse gas credits 
B) leaving the decision-making to elected officials 
C) farmers using no-till agriculture 
D) protecting and restoring natural habitats 
E) using renewable energy sources

Question 7

16O makes up approximately ____percent of all oxygen atoms.

Accepted Answer

A) 0.05 
B) 0.2 
C) 20.21 
D) 50.33 
E) 99.76 
A) 0.05 
B) 0.2 
C) 20.21 
D) 50.33 
E) 99.76

Question 8

The Younger Dryas refers to

Accepted Answer

A) an interglacial period,characterized by a general warming trend,lasting since the last glacial maximum (LGM)to the present. 
B) a global cooling episode,lasting from approximately A.D.1250 to 1850. 
C) a brief return to near-glacial conditions during the transition period from the last glacial period to the present interglacial period. 
D) a 400-year period,from A.D.800 to 1200,characterized by warmer than normal conditions in the North Atlantic region (e.g.Greenland and Iceland). 
E) any interglacial period lasting more the 100 years. 
A) an interglacial period,characterized by a general warming trend,lasting since the last glacial maximum (LGM)to the present. 
B) a global cooling episode,lasting from approximately A.D.1250 to 1850. 
C) a brief return to near-glacial conditions during the transition period from the last glacial period to the present interglacial period. 
D) a 400-year period,from A.D.800 to 1200,characterized by warmer than normal conditions in the North Atlantic region (e.g.Greenland and Iceland). 
E) any interglacial period lasting more the 100 years.

Question 9

Radiative forcing (climate forcing)refers to

Accepted Answer

A) the power of electromagnetic radiation per unit area. 
B) the amount by which some perturbation causes Earth's energy balance to deviate from zero. 
C) a measurement of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area. 
D) the contribution of each greenhouse gas to global warming. 
E) the amount of time,on average,a greenhouse gas resides in the atmosphere. 
A) the power of electromagnetic radiation per unit area. 
B) the amount by which some perturbation causes Earth's energy balance to deviate from zero. 
C) a measurement of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area. 
D) the contribution of each greenhouse gas to global warming. 
E) the amount of time,on average,a greenhouse gas resides in the atmosphere.

Question 10

The residence time of methane (CH4)in the atmosphere is

Accepted Answer

A) 50 to 200 years. 
B) 45 days. 
C) approximately 90 days. 
D) 12 years. 
E) 500 years. 
A) 50 to 200 years. 
B) 45 days. 
C) approximately 90 days. 
D) 12 years. 
E) 500 years.

Question 11

Fossil fuel burning accounts for over____ percent of CO2 emissions.

Accepted Answer

A) 10 
B) 20 
C) 50 
D) 70 
E) 85 
A) 10 
B) 20 
C) 50 
D) 70 
E) 85

Question 12

The Maunder minimum during the Little Ice Age has been linked to

Accepted Answer

A) a period of low sunspot activity from 1645 to 1715. 
B) changes in Earth's axial tilt (obliquity). 
C) a cooling of the Gulf Stream from rapid glacial melt in Greenland. 
D) volcanic activity and multiyear changes in global circulation. 
E) changes in Earth's orbital shape (eccentricity). 
A) a period of low sunspot activity from 1645 to 1715. 
B) changes in Earth's axial tilt (obliquity). 
C) a cooling of the Gulf Stream from rapid glacial melt in Greenland. 
D) volcanic activity and multiyear changes in global circulation. 
E) changes in Earth's orbital shape (eccentricity).

Question 13

According to models developed by NOAA,given the extreme,global sea level may rise as high as

Accepted Answer

A) 0.2 m (0.7 ft). 
B) 0.5 m (1.6 ft). 
C) 1.2 m (3.9 ft). 
D) 2.0 m (6.6 ft). 
E) 3.2 m (10.5 m). 
A) 0.2 m (0.7 ft). 
B) 0.5 m (1.6 ft). 
C) 1.2 m (3.9 ft). 
D) 2.0 m (6.6 ft). 
E) 3.2 m (10.5 m).

Question 14

Seasonal fluctuations in CO2 emissions reflect

Accepted Answer

A) summer melting in the tundra. 
B) geothermal activity,which is highest in the fall. 
C) increased fuel use for home and building heat in winter months. 
D) reduction of sea ice cover and associated decrease in albedo in the summer. 
E) seasonal changes in vegetation cover. 
A) summer melting in the tundra. 
B) geothermal activity,which is highest in the fall. 
C) increased fuel use for home and building heat in winter months. 
D) reduction of sea ice cover and associated decrease in albedo in the summer. 
E) seasonal changes in vegetation cover.

Question 15

Key Indicators of climatic warming

Which of the following is not a key indicator of present climate change?

Accepted Answer

A) increasing sea-surface temperatures 
B) decreasing mass of glaciers and ice sheets 
C) decreasing extent of sea ice 
D) rising sea level 
E) decreasing atmospheric water vapor 
A) increasing sea-surface temperatures 
B) decreasing mass of glaciers and ice sheets 
C) decreasing extent of sea ice 
D) rising sea level 
E) decreasing atmospheric water vapor

Question 16

General circulation models (GCMs)of the atmosphere

Accepted Answer

A) are pre-computer based models that estimated atmospheric and oceanic circulation and are now being used to study climate change. 
B) are highly simplistic models that use one or two variables to test the veracity of climate proxies,such as ice core and ocean sediment core samples. 
C) are based on statistical three-dimensional grids that characterize portions of the atmosphere and ocean in terms of climate-related variables. 
D) calculate the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere based on data from weather stations located around the globe. 
E) are a combined GIS and remote sensing technique to monitor atmospheric and ocean currents. 
A) are pre-computer based models that estimated atmospheric and oceanic circulation and are now being used to study climate change. 
B) are highly simplistic models that use one or two variables to test the veracity of climate proxies,such as ice core and ocean sediment core samples. 
C) are based on statistical three-dimensional grids that characterize portions of the atmosphere and ocean in terms of climate-related variables. 
D) calculate the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere based on data from weather stations located around the globe. 
E) are a combined GIS and remote sensing technique to monitor atmospheric and ocean currents.

Question 17

Of the following greenhouse gases,which have actually decreased in atmospheric concentrations during the past 30 years?

Accepted Answer

A) methane (CH4) 
B) carbon dioxide (CO2) 
C) chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 
D) nitrous oxides (NO) 
E) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 
A) methane (CH4) 
B) carbon dioxide (CO2) 
C) chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 
D) nitrous oxides (NO) 
E) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

Question 18

Which of the following is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

A) Carbon dioxide (CO2)concentrations are growing more quickly today than is seen throughout most of the long-term climate record. 
B) Scientists can say with 100% certainty that current climate change can be solely attributed to anthropogenic causes. 
C) Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2)causes warming temperatures. 
D) Human activities have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 
E) The rise of global temperatures causes global climate change. 
A) Carbon dioxide (CO2)concentrations are growing more quickly today than is seen throughout most of the long-term climate record. 
B) Scientists can say with 100% certainty that current climate change can be solely attributed to anthropogenic causes. 
C) Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2)causes warming temperatures. 
D) Human activities have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 
E) The rise of global temperatures causes global climate change.

Question 19

Which of the following accurately describes 18O/16O ratios of ice sheets?

Accepted Answer

A) The higher the ratio of oceanic 18O to 16O,the cooler the temperature is because 18O will be locked up in ice sheets. 
B) A higher ratio of oceanic 18O to 16O indicates a warmer period during which more 18O evaporates and precipitates onto ice sheets. 
C) During periods of colder temperatures,the 18O/16O ratio is higher because only the 18O isotope is being evaporated. 
D) During warmer periods,16O evaporates more readily and,therefore,the 18O/16O ratio is significantly lower than cooler periods. 
E) During cooler periods,18O evaporates more readily and,therefore,the amount of 16O in glaciers is negligible. 
A) The higher the ratio of oceanic 18O to 16O,the cooler the temperature is because 18O will be locked up in ice sheets. 
B) A higher ratio of oceanic 18O to 16O indicates a warmer period during which more 18O evaporates and precipitates onto ice sheets. 
C) During periods of colder temperatures,the 18O/16O ratio is higher because only the 18O isotope is being evaporated. 
D) During warmer periods,16O evaporates more readily and,therefore,the 18O/16O ratio is significantly lower than cooler periods. 
E) During cooler periods,18O evaporates more readily and,therefore,the amount of 16O in glaciers is negligible.

Question 20

As air temperatures increase,evaporation increases.Warmer temperatures also increase the capacity to absorb water vapor.More water vapor in the atmosphere accelerates the greenhouse effect.This is known as the

Accepted Answer

A) ice-albedo feedback. 
B) water-vapor feedback. 
C) permafrost-carbon feedback. 
D) wildfire-carbon feedback. 
E) CO2-weathering feedback. 
A) ice-albedo feedback. 
B) water-vapor feedback. 
C) permafrost-carbon feedback. 
D) wildfire-carbon feedback. 
E) CO2-weathering feedback.

The science that studies Earth's past climates is

Milankovitch cycles refer to

Based on climate reconstructions,there is ample evidence that climates have fluctuated throughout Earth's long history.Describe some of the mechanisms of this climate fluctuations.

Temperature impacts of aerosols from volcanic eruptions The graph shows that from 1850 to 2000,five large volcanic eruptions have

Which of the following is not an example of individuals and communities working to mitigate climate change?

16O makes up approximately ____percent of all oxygen atoms.

The Younger Dryas refers to

Radiative forcing (climate forcing)refers to

The residence time of methane (CH4)in the atmosphere is

Fossil fuel burning accounts for over____ percent of CO2 emissions.

The Maunder minimum during the Little Ice Age has been linked to

According to models developed by NOAA,given the extreme,global sea level may rise as high as

Seasonal fluctuations in CO2 emissions reflect

Key Indicators of climatic warming Which of the following is not a key indicator of present climate change?

General circulation models (GCMs)of the atmosphere

Of the following greenhouse gases,which have actually decreased in atmospheric concentrations during the past 30 years?

Which of the following is incorrect?

Which of the following accurately describes 18O/16O ratios of ice sheets?

As air temperatures increase,evaporation increases.Warmer temperatures also increase the capacity to absorb water vapor.More water vapor in the atmosphere accelerates the greenhouse effect.This is known as the

Essentials of Geography

Solar Energy to Earth and the Seasons

Earth’s Atmosphere

Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures

Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations

Water and Atmospheric Moisture

Weather

Water Resources

Earth’s Climatic Regions

The Dynamic Planet

Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism

Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement

River Systems

Aeolian Processes and Arid Landscapes

Oceans and Coastal Systems

Glacial Landscapes and the Cryosphere

The Geography of Soils

Ecosystem Essentials

Terrestrial Biomes

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Exam 10: Climate Change

The science that studies Earth's past climates is

Milankovitch cycles refer to

Based on climate reconstructions,there is ample evidence that climates have fluctuated throughout Earth's long history.Describe some of the mechanisms of this climate fluctuations.

Temperature impacts of aerosols from volcanic eruptions The graph shows that from 1850 to 2000,five large volcanic eruptions have

Which of the following is not an example of individuals and communities working to mitigate climate change?

16O makes up approximately ____percent of all oxygen atoms.

The Younger Dryas refers to

Radiative forcing (climate forcing)refers to

The residence time of methane (CH4)in the atmosphere is

Fossil fuel burning accounts for over____ percent of CO2 emissions.

The Maunder minimum during the Little Ice Age has been linked to

According to models developed by NOAA,given the extreme,global sea level may rise as high as

Seasonal fluctuations in CO2 emissions reflect

Key Indicators of climatic warming Which of the following is not a key indicator of present climate change?

General circulation models (GCMs)of the atmosphere

Of the following greenhouse gases,which have actually decreased in atmospheric concentrations during the past 30 years?

Which of the following is incorrect?

Which of the following accurately describes 18O/16O ratios of ice sheets?

As air temperatures increase,evaporation increases.Warmer temperatures also increase the capacity to absorb water vapor.More water vapor in the atmosphere accelerates the greenhouse effect.This is known as the

Essentials of Geography

Solar Energy to Earth and the Seasons

Earth’s Atmosphere

Atmospheric Energy and Global Temperatures

Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulations

Water and Atmospheric Moisture

Weather

Water Resources

Earth’s Climatic Regions

The Dynamic Planet

Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanism

Weathering, Karst Landscapes, and Mass Movement

River Systems

Aeolian Processes and Arid Landscapes

Oceans and Coastal Systems

Glacial Landscapes and the Cryosphere

The Geography of Soils

Ecosystem Essentials

Terrestrial Biomes

Filters