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Questions and Answers
Which of the following human activities has NOT been linked to increasing greenhouse gases in the troposphere?
Which of the following human activities has NOT been linked to increasing greenhouse gases in the troposphere?
What is one of the effects of the sharp rise in fossil fuel usage from 1880 to 2012?
What is one of the effects of the sharp rise in fossil fuel usage from 1880 to 2012?
Which greenhouse gas is primarily released by livestock during digestion?
Which greenhouse gas is primarily released by livestock during digestion?
What was one of the notable temperature trends observed in the northern hemisphere from 1983 to 2012?
What was one of the notable temperature trends observed in the northern hemisphere from 1983 to 2012?
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By how much did the world's average sea level rise between 1901 and 2010?
By how much did the world's average sea level rise between 1901 and 2010?
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What is the primary distinction between climate change and ozone thinning?
What is the primary distinction between climate change and ozone thinning?
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Which gases are recognized as the two major greenhouse gases?
Which gases are recognized as the two major greenhouse gases?
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How does the greenhouse effect contribute to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere?
How does the greenhouse effect contribute to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere?
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What significant climatic shift occurred around 200 years ago?
What significant climatic shift occurred around 200 years ago?
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What factor primarily controls the abundance of water vapor in the atmosphere?
What factor primarily controls the abundance of water vapor in the atmosphere?
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Which process contributes to natural cooling at the Earth's surface?
Which process contributes to natural cooling at the Earth's surface?
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What is the Earth's average surface temperature?
What is the Earth's average surface temperature?
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Which of the following factors is NOT typically associated with climate change?
Which of the following factors is NOT typically associated with climate change?
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What distinguishes global warming from global climate change?
What distinguishes global warming from global climate change?
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What effect does the melting of ice caps have on the troposphere?
What effect does the melting of ice caps have on the troposphere?
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Why is the melting of Greenland's ice sheets particularly concerning for climate scientists?
Why is the melting of Greenland's ice sheets particularly concerning for climate scientists?
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What is a positive feedback effect related to climate change?
What is a positive feedback effect related to climate change?
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What is projected for surface temperature increases by the end of the 21st century?
What is projected for surface temperature increases by the end of the 21st century?
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Which factor is most influential in determining the level of surface warming by the late 21st century?
Which factor is most influential in determining the level of surface warming by the late 21st century?
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What does current scientific consensus indicate about the trajectory of climate change impacts?
What does current scientific consensus indicate about the trajectory of climate change impacts?
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What is indicated about current climate models according to the scientific consensus?
What is indicated about current climate models according to the scientific consensus?
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What do some climate scientists criticize about the consensus view on future temperature changes?
What do some climate scientists criticize about the consensus view on future temperature changes?
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Why is the speed of temperature change considered more critical than the change itself?
Why is the speed of temperature change considered more critical than the change itself?
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What is the role of the oceans in moderating the Earth's surface temperature?
What is the role of the oceans in moderating the Earth's surface temperature?
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What uncertainty do scientists have regarding the oceans' interaction with climate change?
What uncertainty do scientists have regarding the oceans' interaction with climate change?
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What could potentially slow down ocean currents as a result of a warming planet?
What could potentially slow down ocean currents as a result of a warming planet?
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What do scientists not know regarding the heat absorbed by the ocean from the troposphere?
What do scientists not know regarding the heat absorbed by the ocean from the troposphere?
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According to the IPCC, how does the current expected temperature change compare to the past 1000 years?
According to the IPCC, how does the current expected temperature change compare to the past 1000 years?
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What do scientists speculate about the oceans in the context of global warming?
What do scientists speculate about the oceans in the context of global warming?
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How do large changes in ocean currents affect northern hemisphere temperatures?
How do large changes in ocean currents affect northern hemisphere temperatures?
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What are scientists particularly concerned about regarding ocean acidification?
What are scientists particularly concerned about regarding ocean acidification?
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What has influenced the disappearance of calcium carbonate from ocean sediment, according to paleoceanographic evidence?
What has influenced the disappearance of calcium carbonate from ocean sediment, according to paleoceanographic evidence?
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What is the effect of aerosol pollutants and soot on the troposphere's temperature?
What is the effect of aerosol pollutants and soot on the troposphere's temperature?
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What does increased CO2 in the troposphere do to plant photosynthesis?
What does increased CO2 in the troposphere do to plant photosynthesis?
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Why are schemes involving disposal of CO2 into the ocean now considered inadvisable?
Why are schemes involving disposal of CO2 into the ocean now considered inadvisable?
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What limits the potential effect of increased CO2 levels on photosynthesis?
What limits the potential effect of increased CO2 levels on photosynthesis?
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What was a significant historical event noted concerning carbonate levels in the ocean?
What was a significant historical event noted concerning carbonate levels in the ocean?
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What role does methane gas play in global warming?
What role does methane gas play in global warming?
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What is a potential consequence of rising sea levels due to global warming?
What is a potential consequence of rising sea levels due to global warming?
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What factor contributes to the disagreement among scientists about climate change?
What factor contributes to the disagreement among scientists about climate change?
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What is one of the proposed actions in response to the threat of climate change?
What is one of the proposed actions in response to the threat of climate change?
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What is a significant concern associated with melting ice in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic?
What is a significant concern associated with melting ice in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic?
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Which group believes in immediate action to reduce risks from climate change?
Which group believes in immediate action to reduce risks from climate change?
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Why are current climate models considered unreliable at regional levels?
Why are current climate models considered unreliable at regional levels?
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What is the predicted rise in sea levels if significant ice melts from Greenland?
What is the predicted rise in sea levels if significant ice melts from Greenland?
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Study Notes
Climate Change Introduction
- Climate change and ozone depletion are distinct issues.
- Ozone thinning allows more UV light to reach Earth's surface, potentially causing skin damage.
Past Climate Change
- Earth's climate is driven by average temperature and precipitation.
- Historical climate shifts have occurred due to volcanic activity, changes in solar energy, and tectonic plate movement.
- Earth has experienced a relatively stable climate in the past 1000 years, with a slight temperature dip followed by a rise coinciding with the Industrial Revolution.
- Estimated changes in atmospheric CO2 levels closely match changes in Earth's surface temperature over the past 400,000 years.
The Earth's Natural Greenhouse Effect
- Certain atmospheric gases (like clouds, water vapor, carbon dioxide) absorb heat, warming the lower atmosphere.
- These gases radiate heat, creating a warming effect.
- Earth also has a natural cooling process due to the evaporation of surface water and release of heat from water vapor condensation.
- Earth's average surface temperature is approximately 15°C.
The Two Major Greenhouse Gases
- Water vapor and carbon dioxide are the most abundant greenhouse gases.
- Water vapor is controlled by the hydrologic cycle.
- Carbon dioxide is controlled by the carbon cycle, but human activity has significantly increased its atmospheric concentration.
Climate Change and Human Activities
- Human activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
- Burning fossil fuels releases CO2, CH4 and N20.
- Deforestation and agriculture also release CO2 and N2O.
- Livestock contribute methane emissions.
- Rice paddies and fertilizers release N2O.
Global Warming vs. Global Climate Change
- Global warming focuses on tropospheric temperature increases.
- Global climate change refers to broader climate shifts encompassing various aspects of the Earth's climate system.
Effects of a Warmer Earth
- Melting glaciers and ice caps contribute to rising sea levels, which poses a significant threat to coastal areas.
- Extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, droughts, floods) are anticipated to become more frequent and intense due to climate change.
- Shifts in weather patterns and rising sea levels will impact agriculture and biodiversity.
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Description
Test your knowledge on climate change and greenhouse gases with this quiz. From the impact of fossil fuels to the greenhouse effect, explore various aspects and facts about our changing atmosphere. Perfect for students of environmental science and anyone interested in climate issues.
