Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases Quiz

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What are greenhouse gases?

Gases that are released from volcanic eruptions

Gases that contribute to acid rain

Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere (correct)

Gases that deplete the ozone layer

Why is the amount of greenhouse gases increasing?

Decline in deforestation

Improved energy efficiency

Increased burning of fossil fuels (correct)

Reduced industrial activities

What happens to the sun's energy that reaches Earth?

51% is absorbed by plants through photosynthesis

19% is absorbed by the atmosphere

0.023% is absorbed by the oceans

30% is reflected back to space (correct)

How does carbon dioxide contribute to the greenhouse effect?

It traps radiant energy reflected by the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary sources of carbon released into the atmosphere?

Burning of fossil fuels, cellular respiration, and decomposition Signup and view all the answers

Explain the greenhouse effect and how it contributes to global warming.

The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, leading to an increase in the Earth's temperature. This increase in temperature contributes to global warming. Signup and view all the answers

List four examples of greenhouse gases and explain why their levels are increasing.

Four examples of greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Their levels are increasing due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three effects of global warming and provide three ways to reduce these effects.

Three effects of global warming are rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity. Three ways to reduce these effects include transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing emissions from transportation and industry, and implementing policies to protect ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how carbon is released into the atmosphere and explain why there is so much carbon in the atmosphere.

Carbon is released into the atmosphere through processes such as burning of fossil fuels, cellular respiration, and decomposition. There is so much carbon in the atmosphere because fossil fuels are being used much faster than they are created, and it takes millions of years for fossil fuels to form. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process of energy transfer from the sun to Earth and its impact on the Earth's systems.

Approximately 19% of the sun's energy reaching Earth is absorbed by the atmosphere, 51% is absorbed by the land and oceans, 0.023% is absorbed by plants through photosynthesis, and 30% is reflected back to space. This energy transfer impacts Earth's systems by driving weather patterns, ocean currents, and the overall climate. Signup and view all the answers