Exam 16: Global Climate Change

There are several long-term changes in Earth's orbit that affect how heat from the Sun is distributed over the planet. Which of the following describes how the orbit changes from being elliptical to more circular?

What do climatologists fear might happen if the Earth system crosses a climate threshold?

Which of the following are considered climate feedback mechanisms?

To slow the current warming trend, industrialized nations must reduce their overall rate of greenhouse gas emissions.

Ice core data have revealed which of the following?

What best explains the problem with using sediment layers to determine past climatic conditions?

Sea level is expected rise due to continued melting of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. Which of the following best describes why climatologists are likely to have underestimated the rate of sea level rise?

What best explains why glacial ice cores are ideal for examining climatic conditions in Earth's past?

With respect to modeling Earth's climate system, which of the following best describes global circulation models (GCMs)?

Which of the following best explains why continued warming of the Arctic is expected to greatly accelerate the rate of global warming?

Ocean acidification is taking place as the oceans absorb some of the additional carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What is the basic environmental problem that this creates?

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

Earth's glacial periods are explained by orbital variations that produce a small temperature change, which is then amplified by changes in carbon dioxide concentrations.

What do climatologists NOT expect to see now that Earth's climate system has been pushed to a higher energy level?

Which of the following best explains the effect of greenhouse gases on Earth's atmosphere?

Which of the following do climatologists predict will occur as the Earth continues to warm?

Which of the following statements with respect to Earth's climate is NOT true?

Which of the following statements regarding variations in Earth's orbit is true?

Which of the following statements regarding carbon dioxide (CO₂) and the greenhouse effect is true?

One important consequence of global warming is that Earth's climatic zones are expected to shift. Which of the following would affect large parts of Earth's population as winters arrive later and end earlier?