BJU Earth Science Chapter 21 Review

Questions and Answers

Protecting an area of land from human use and sustainable logging in a national forest are examples of what?

Conservation

The fact that a large city is often a few degrees warmer than the surrounding region is an example of what kind of climate?

Microclimate

Meteorologist and climatologist both use what kind of data?

Weather data

During summertime in the Northern Hemisphere, is the North Pole tilted towards the Sun or away from the Sun?

Towards the sun Signup and view all the answers

Which event would a climatologist be most interested in studying?

Ice cores from a deep glacier Signup and view all the answers

Which factor would likely affect the average temperature of a location?

Elevation Signup and view all the answers

What seasonal winds bring heavy precipitation?

Monsoons Signup and view all the answers

The Köppen-Geiger climate zone system classifies climates mainly by what two things?

Average temperature and average precipitation Signup and view all the answers

Groves of citrus and olive trees would grow best in which climate?

Temperate Marine Signup and view all the answers

Warm areas of the world that experience seasonal monsoon rains and dry spells would fall into which climate zone?

Tropical Rainy Signup and view all the answers

All dry climate subzones have which characteristic in common?

They have limited precipitation Signup and view all the answers

What is the name for the large chunks of ice that break off continental glaciers and float in the sea?

Icebergs Signup and view all the answers

Cold is to hibernation as hot is to?

Estivation Signup and view all the answers

What areas receive flooding rains due to the El Niño Southern Oscillation period?

South America, Mexico, and the southwest United States Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists use trees to study climate?

Scientists measure tree rings to infer changes in temperature and precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What can lower the earth's average temperature for a year or more?

Major volcanic eruptions and large regional dust storms Signup and view all the answers

Increased sunspot activity is a possible contributing cause to what?

Global warming Signup and view all the answers

The most prevalent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is?

Water vapor Signup and view all the answers

Why is climate so hard to model?

Because there are so many variables, we don't understand all of the interactions in Earth's climate and we don't have computers powerful enough. Signup and view all the answers

The best approach to climate change according to a Christian worldview is?

To study how climate is changing, and if it is, to develop the best responses to the changes. Signup and view all the answers

The sun heats the earth's surface most effectively when?

The rays are more nearly perpendicular and not horizontal to the earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

When it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, it is winter where?

Northern Hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

How many temperate zones and tropic zone are there?

Two temperate zones but only one tropic zone Signup and view all the answers

An area's climate is based on what?

Its average weather over long periods of time. Signup and view all the answers

The amount of precipitation that an area receives depends mostly on what two things?

Wind and geography Signup and view all the answers

Areas of the world that are far apart can have similar or very different climates?

True Signup and view all the answers

What subzones are close to the Equator on all continents?

Tropical climate subzones Signup and view all the answers

Amounts of what two things at a location are usually affected by climate change?

Amounts of precipitation and average temperature Signup and view all the answers

Secular scientists and young-earth creation scientists both agree that the earth has experienced what?

Climate change in the past Signup and view all the answers

Should Christians investigate all science with an open mind?

True Signup and view all the answers

Give 3 examples of short-term climate change.

El Niño, seasons, and volcanic eruption Signup and view all the answers

Examples of long-term climate change?

Greenhouse hypothesis, changes in solar activity, and recovery from the Flood and the following Ice Age Signup and view all the answers

The preservation and wise use of earth's resources with a mind for the future is called?

Conservation Signup and view all the answers

The average weather conditions in an area over a period of many years is called?

Climate Signup and view all the answers

Seasonal winds that bring six months of rainy weather to Southeast Asia are called?

Monsoons Signup and view all the answers

Do scientists categorize El Niño Southern Oscillations as short term or long term climate changes?

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two key weather factors that allow scientists to describe and map different climate zones?

Average temperature and average precipitation Signup and view all the answers

Where can you find continental glaciers today?

Antarctica and Greenland Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between short-term and long-term climate change?

Short-term climate change involves shorter spans of time and is usually caused by seasons, observed climate cycles, or volcanism. Long-term climate change involves longer spans of time and may be caused by changes in solar output, a slow recovery from the Flood, or by human activities. The causes of short-term climate change are better understood of the two because of limitations in the data that we have to work with for long-term climate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conservation and Climate Concepts

Conservation involves protecting land from human use and sustainable logging practices in national forests.
A microclimate refers to localized climate variations often found in urban areas, where a large city can be slightly warmer than surrounding regions.
Weather data are essential for both meteorologists and climatologists to analyze atmospheric conditions and patterns.

Seasonal and Climatic Changes

In summer, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, impacting temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere.
Climatologists study phenomena like ice cores from glaciers to understand historical climate changes and trends.
Elevation is a significant factor affecting the average temperature of a location.

Precipitation and Climate Zones

Monsoons are seasonal winds that bring substantial rainfall to specific areas, especially in Southeast Asia.
The Köppen-Geiger climate classification system categorizes climates primarily based on average temperature and average precipitation.
Temperate marine climates are favorable for groves of citrus and olive trees.

Characteristics of Climates

Tropical rainy climates feature warm areas that experience seasonal monsoon rains and dry periods.
All dry climate subzones are characterized by limited precipitation levels.
Icebergs are large chunks of ice that detach from continental glaciers and float in ocean waters.

Climate and Environmental Interactions

Scientists study tree rings to track historical changes in temperature and precipitation over time.
Major volcanic eruptions and large regional dust storms can lower the Earth's average temperature for extended periods.
Increased sunspot activity is a potential factor contributing to global warming.

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Modeling

Water vapor is the most prevalent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in climate dynamics.
Climate modeling is complex due to numerous interacting variables, leading to challenges in fully understanding Earth's climate.

Climate Adaptation and Change

A Christian worldview encourages studying climate changes and responses based on evidence and alignment with Scripture.
The Sun heats the Earth's surface most efficiently when its rays are nearly perpendicular to the surface.

Seasonal Differences

When it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are two temperate zones and one tropic zone globally, helping define regional climates.

Climate Characteristics

An area's climate is determined by its long-term average weather patterns.
Wind and geography are primary influences on the amount of precipitation a location receives.
Surprisingly, locations across vast distances can exhibit similar climates despite geographical differences.

Climate Change Perspectives

Tropical climate subzones are often located near the Equator on all continents, highlighting their global distribution.
Climate change impacts average temperature and precipitation, noting the variability of weather patterns over time.
Both secular and young-earth creation scientists acknowledge that the Earth has undergone climate change historically.

Approaches to Science

Christians are encouraged to explore scientific findings with discernment, comparing evidence against Biblical teachings before drawing conclusions.

Climate Change Examples

Short-term climate changes are characterized by events like El Niño, seasonal fluctuations, and volcanic eruptions.
Long-term climate changes may stem from greenhouse gas hypotheses, solar activity changes, and historical events such as recovery from the Flood and Ice Age.

Fundamental Climate Definitions

Conservation emphasizes the responsible use and preservation of Earth's resources for future generations.
Climate is defined as the average weather conditions characteristic of an area observed over many years.
Monsoons specifically describe the seasonal winds that induce heavy rainfall in regions like Southeast Asia.

Classification of Climate Changes

El Niño Southern Oscillations are categorized as short-term climate changes, emphasizing the distinction between temporal scales in climate studies.
Key factors for climate zone mapping include average temperature and average precipitation, both vital for understanding global climate patterns.

Current Glaciers

Today, continental glaciers can primarily be found in Antarctica and Greenland, crucial for studying past climate conditions.

Understanding Change

Short-term climate change is more easily understood than long-term change, which is influenced by broader factors such as solar output and human activities.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards for BJU Earth Science Chapter 21. This review covers important concepts such as conservation, microclimates, and weather data used by meteorologists and climatologists. Get ready for your quiz by engaging with these essential terms!