Climate Science and Greenhouse Gases Quiz

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What is the primary function of greenhouse gases in a planet's atmosphere?

To increase atmospheric pressure

To reduce temperature fluctuations

To enhance wind patterns

To absorb and emit radiant energy (correct)

Which gas is NOT considered a primary greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen (correct)

Ozone

Methane

Water vapor

How is temperature typically measured?

With a barometer

With a hygrometer

With a pressure gauge

With a thermometer (correct)

What does climate typically refer to in meteorology?

Average weather conditions over 30 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of gauge pressure?

Pressure measured relative to ambient pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about climate change is correct?

It signifies a long-term shift in climate patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the flow of thermal energy from a hotter body to a colder one?

Heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes wastewater?

Water that has been contaminated by human use Signup and view all the answers

What drives the hydrologic cycle?

Solar energy Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence global water distribution?

Ocean currents Signup and view all the answers

What happens to air as it rises up the windward side of a mountain?

It cools and condenses moisture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a definition of residence time?

The length of time water remains in a compartment Signup and view all the answers

Which region is likely to experience low rainfall due to global atmospheric circulation?

Regions within 20° to 40° latitude north and south Signup and view all the answers

How does proximity to oceans affect precipitation levels?

More moisture is brought by prevailing winds from oceans Signup and view all the answers

What effect do mountains have on precipitation?

They lead to increased rainfall as they form clouds Signup and view all the answers

What is the total amount of water on the planet approximately?

1,404 million km3 Signup and view all the answers

What is inadvertent water reuse primarily associated with?

Treatment and discharge along rivers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a risk associated with inadvertent water reuse?

Enhanced water supply regulations Signup and view all the answers

What defines indirect water reuse?

Planned application of treated wastewater Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about direct water reuse is true?

It is commonly applied for public recreational areas. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the health hazards of treated water remain uncertain?

Disease-causing viruses are not fully understood. Signup and view all the answers

What role do environmental protection laws and policies play?

They help make decisions about conservation and pollution control. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common use of treated wastewater in the United States?

Industrial processes and groundwater recharge Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the difficulty in evaluating the effects of harmful chemicals in water?

They are often introduced into the environment without notice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the grit chamber in the sewage treatment process?

To dispose of sand and small stones Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the sewage treatment process is responsible for removing approximately 30 to 40% of BOD by volume?

Primary sedimentation tank Signup and view all the answers

How does secondary treatment using activated sludge primarily reduce BOD in wastewater?

By allowing aerobic bacteria to consume organic material Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the aeration tank in the secondary treatment phase?

To mix wastewater with air and recycled sludge Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the sludge in the final sedimentation tank?

It is transported to the digester for processing Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the sludge that is recycled in the aeration tank?

It is rich in aerobic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What process is used to further treat the sludge after it is removed from the primary treatment phase?

Digestion Signup and view all the answers

What does primary treatment primarily remove from wastewater?

Suspended solids and organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What best defines a policy in the context discussed?

A course of action or inaction statement Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT part of how the political system manages group conflict?

Creating exclusive interest groups Signup and view all the answers

What type of law encompasses rules related to environmental quality and sustainability?

Environmental law Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly defines statute law within the government structure?

It consists of formal documents enacted by the legislature. Signup and view all the answers

When was the first UN Conference on the Human Environment held?

1972 Signup and view all the answers

What does case law primarily derive from?

Court decisions in civil and criminal cases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a role played by government branches in establishing laws?

Creating volatility in social norms Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential for a law to be considered valid in society?

Some enforcement power backing it Signup and view all the answers