Questions and Answers
Which factors are causes of short-term climate change?
Changes in wind and ocean currents
How does La Niña affect the climate of the Pacific Ocean?
It cools the water to below its normal temperature.
Which of these substances are greenhouse gases? Check all that apply.
Which substance is a greenhouse gas that is emitted by human activities, is the most widespread, and remains in the air the longest?
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How do changes in wind currents affect the short-term climate in a region?
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Which causes an increase in greenhouse gases?
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What are global wind patterns called?
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What climate condition occurs during El Niño?
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What climate conditions occur during La Niña?
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During El Niño, what do the unusual wind patterns move east?
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What effects do wind patterns have on climate?
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Which definition best describes global warming?
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What major factors play a role in global warming?
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Why is it commonly believed that carbon dioxide is responsible for global warming? Select 2 options.
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What negative effect occurs when there is a decrease in air quality?
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According to some scientists, which is a cause of global warming?
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Which is a possible result of higher air temperatures caused by global warming?
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Which greenhouse gas is produced by commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems?
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Which greenhouse gas has an average lifetime in the atmosphere of a few weeks to thousands of years and is the largest contributor to climate change?
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Which statement best describes the greenhouse effect?
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Which is a possible result of rising ocean temperatures caused by global warming?
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Which statement explains why many scientists believe that carbon dioxide has likely contributed more to global warming than other greenhouse gases?
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What do El Niño and La Niña have in common? Check all that apply.
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What effects do ocean currents have on short-term climate change? Check all that apply.
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What are the negative effects of rising ocean temperatures? Check all that apply.
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Which are possible consequences of decreasing air quality resulting from global warming? Check all that apply.
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Study Notes
Climate Change Factors
- Changes in wind and ocean currents are crucial for understanding short-term climate change.
- Natural and human-induced factors contribute to long-term climate changes globally.
La Niña
- La Niña cools Pacific Ocean waters below normal temperatures, impacting regional climates dramatically.
- Stronger prevailing winds during La Niña can lead to increased hurricane activity.
Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are all recognized greenhouse gases.
- Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas resulting from human activities, remaining in the atmosphere for extended periods.
El Niño and La Niña
- El Niño is characterized by warm water moving toward South America, altering weather patterns.
- Common features of both El Niño and La Niña events include their impact on ocean currents and their roles in short-term climate variation.
Wind Currents and Climate
- Changes in prevailing winds can lead to significant alterations in precipitation and overall regional climate.
- Ocean currents can transport warm or cold water, influencing local temperatures and climate conditions.
Global Warming
- Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature, influenced by both natural processes and human activities.
- Rising carbon dioxide levels are attributed to human activities and are regarded as the primary driver of climate change.
Effects on Health and Environment
- Poor air quality can lead to increased illnesses and decreases in population due to health-related issues.
- Consequences of global warming and rising ocean temperatures include glacial melting and flooding of coastal areas.
Greenhouse Effect
- The greenhouse effect involves greenhouse gases allowing sunlight to enter the atmosphere while trapping heat, which contributes to global warming.
Ocean Temperatures and Hurricanes
- Increased ocean temperatures may strengthen hurricanes, indicating a correlation between climate change and extreme weather events.
Air Quality and Health
- Decreasing air quality can result in health threats, potentially leading to a rise in illnesses and a decline in population.
Summary of Impacts
- Both natural occurrences (like ocean currents and solar energy changes) and human activities prime the climate system for rapid changes, necessitating an understanding of their respective roles.
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Test your understanding of climate change with these flashcards. Each card covers essential concepts and factors related to short-term climate changes and greenhouse gases. Perfect for students and anyone interested in environmental science.
