Exam 11: Climate Change

Recent temperature increases correspond to a period of increased sunspot activity.

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) is characterized by some of the coolest temperatures in the Earth's history.

Which scenario predicts the lowest level of warming during the 21st Century?

Seasonal fluctuations in CO₂ emissions reflect

The Earth's axial tilt varies from 21.5° to 24.5° during a 41,000 year period.

Which of the following is not a primary factor contributing to sea-level rise?

The Younger Dryas, the Medieval Climate Anomaly, and the Little Ice Age demonstrate that climates naturally fluctuate.

Changes in the orientation of the Earth's axis over a 26,000-year cycle is known as

According to readings from the Mauna Loa Observatory, CO₂ concentrations in May 2013 exceeded ________ for the first time during the last 800,000 years.

Currently, atmospheric methane(CH₄) concentrations are increasing at a rate faster than carbon dioxide (CO₂).

To study past climates, scientists use direct measurements.

Changes in the Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun is called

In May 2013, the Mauna Loa Observatory recorded the highest CO₂ concentrations on record.

Which of the following is not an example of methods used for short-term climate reconstructions?

The average individual is helpless to do anything about climate change.

The legally binding international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is known as the

The Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun (eccentricity) is mostly constant, only changing negligibly over a 100,000 year period.

The world's largest reserve of carbon-based fuel is likely

The use of tree rings to study past climates is known as dendroclimatology.

Many scientists consider climate change to be one of the most critical issues facing humankind in the twenty-first century.