Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between weather and climate?
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between weather and climate?
- Weather refers to long-term averages in a small area, while climate refers to day-to-day atmospheric conditions in a wide area.
- Climate is a prediction of future weather patterns, while weather is the record of past climatic conditions.
- Weather and climate are essentially the same thing, used interchangeably to describe atmospheric conditions.
- Weather represents short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific location, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a broader region. (correct)
The Earth's climate is influenced by both natural cycles and human activities. How do scientists determine the extent to which current climate change is due to human greenhouse gas emissions?
The Earth's climate is influenced by both natural cycles and human activities. How do scientists determine the extent to which current climate change is due to human greenhouse gas emissions?
- By comparing current warming trends with past natural cycles and assessing the degree to which the current rate of warming exceeds natural expectations. (correct)
- By solely analyzing historical temperature records and ignoring natural climate variations.
- By assuming that all climate change is anthropogenic.
- By primarily focusing on the correlation between industrialization and extreme weather events.
How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?
How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?
- Greenhouse gases create holes in the ozone layer.
- Greenhouse gases convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.
- Greenhouse gases reflect solar radiation away from the Earth, leading to cooling.
- Greenhouse gases absorb and trap heat within the Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. (correct)
Which statement accurately describes the Milankovitch cycles and their impact on Earth's climate?
Which statement accurately describes the Milankovitch cycles and their impact on Earth's climate?
Which of the following is a true statement regarding the Earth's tilt?
Which of the following is a true statement regarding the Earth's tilt?
Milankovitch cycles, encompassing changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble, are most directly linked to which long-term climate phenomenon?
Milankovitch cycles, encompassing changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble, are most directly linked to which long-term climate phenomenon?
While Milankovitch cycles are a primary driver of ice ages, their periodicity has varied throughout Earth's history. Currently, ice ages occur approximately every:
While Milankovitch cycles are a primary driver of ice ages, their periodicity has varied throughout Earth's history. Currently, ice ages occur approximately every:
Beyond Milankovitch cycles, several other factors influence global climate and the onset of ice ages. Which of the following is also considered a significant factor?
Beyond Milankovitch cycles, several other factors influence global climate and the onset of ice ages. Which of the following is also considered a significant factor?
The Sun's energy output fluctuates in an approximately 11-year cycle. How does this solar cycle primarily affect Earth's climate?
The Sun's energy output fluctuates in an approximately 11-year cycle. How does this solar cycle primarily affect Earth's climate?
El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. Which of the following conditions is characteristic of La Niña?
El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. Which of the following conditions is characteristic of La Niña?
Flashcards
Climate
Climate
Variations in average weather in a wide area over a long period.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gases
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, like a blanket.
Ice Ages
Ice Ages
Cool periods where Earth's ice caps expand from the poles.
Milankovitch Cycles
Milankovitch Cycles
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Earth's Wobble
Earth's Wobble
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Sun's output cycle
Sun's output cycle
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El Niño
El Niño
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La Niña
La Niña
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El Niño & La Niña Cycle Cause
El Niño & La Niña Cycle Cause
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Study Notes
- Climate is defined as variations in average weather in a wide area over a long period.
- Current climate change is unprecedented, with human greenhouse gas emissions as the likely cause.
- Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Carbon Dioxide levels are at 400 ppm, up from 280 ppm at the start of the Industrial Revolution, and 350 ppm in 1990.
Natural Climate Cycles
- The Earth naturally warms and cools over hundreds of thousands of years.
- Cool periods are known as ice ages, characterized by the expansion of ice caps.
- Current warming trends exceed natural cycles.
Milankovitch Cycles
- These cycles involve changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble.
- Earth's orbit changes from circular to elliptical roughly every 100,000 years.
- Earth's tilt varies between 22.1 and 24.5 degrees every 41,000 years.
- Earth wobbles on its axis every 26,000 years.
- Milankovitch cycles contribute to ice ages by affecting the distribution and intensity of sunlight.
- Ice age cycles can vary in length.
- Ocean and atmospheric circulation, volcanic activity, and carbon dioxide levels also influence ice ages.
Sun Cycles
- The sun's output changes on an 11-year cycle.
- This cycle has a small impact on Earth's temperature.
El Niño & La Niña
- El Niño brings strong storms to the east Pacific and west coast of South America due to warm currents moving east.
- El Niño events occur every 3-6 years.
- La Niña is the opposite, causing dry conditions in the same areas due to warm currents moving west.
- Normal conditions exist in between El Niño and La Niña.
- The causes of these current changes are not fully understood.
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Description
Explore climate change, greenhouse gases, and natural climate cycles. Understand the Milankovitch cycles' impact on ice ages through changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble. Learn how human emissions contribute to unprecedented current warming trends.
