Climate Change
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the Earth's seasons?

  • The Earth's rotation on its axis causes shifts in temperature.
  • The speed of the Earth's revolution around the Sun changes
  • The 23.5-degree tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun (correct)
  • The Earth's distance from the sun varies throughout the year.

On which date would the Northern Hemisphere experience the shortest amount of daylight?

  • December 21 (correct)
  • March 21
  • September 21
  • June 21

What is the term for a day when the Earth's axis is neither tilted toward nor away from the sun?

  • Equinox (correct)
  • Perihelion
  • Aphelion
  • Solstice

How does the sun's height in the sky appear in Canada during summer?

<p>It moves higher in the sky compared to winter. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding an extra day to the calendar every four years?

<p>To keep the seasons synchronized with the Earth's orbit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the change in seasons?

<p>The tilt of the Earth's spin axis relative to its orbit around the sun (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which month does Miami experience the longest daylight hours?

<p>July (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which location experiences consistent 12-hour daylight hours throughout the entire year?

<p>Nairobi (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what month does Vostok experience 0 hours of daylight?

<p>May (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations experiences the most dramatic change in day length throughout the year?

<p>Nome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

On which date does the Northern Hemisphere experience the Summer Solstice?

<p>June 21 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily makes summer days warmer than winter days?

<p>The sun's rays are more direct during summer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which months does Brisbane experience its longest hours of daylight?

<p>January and February (A), November and December (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the position of the Earth when a location on the Antarctic Circle experiences sunlight on the Winter Solstice?

<p>The South Pole is tilted towards the sun (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate angle of Earth's tilt relative to its orbital plane?

<p>23.5 degrees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the kinetic molecular theory, why does air pressure decrease as altitude increases?

<p>The density of air molecules decreases with height, leading to fewer collisions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do meteoroids burn up in the mesosphere despite the low density of molecules?

<p>While less dense than lower layers, the mesosphere's density is sufficient to cause significant friction with fast-moving meteoroids. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is described by the concept of air flowing from high pressure to low pressure?

<p>Bernoulli’s principle (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary way that heat energy is transferred from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere?

<p>Convection of warmed air from the surface into the atmosphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is air considered a poor heat conductor?

<p>Air molecules are too far apart to efficiently transfer vibrational energy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of ocean surface currents?

<p>Distribution of solar energy and global winds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between water density, salinity, and temperature?

<p>Density increases as salinity increases and temperature decreases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process that causes magma to rise within the Earth?

<p>Magma expands and becomes less dense as it gains heat from the Earth's core. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis effect influence ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere?

<p>It deflects water to the right. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of glacial meltwater on thermohaline circulation?

<p>It slows down the circulation by decreasing salinity and thus density. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is primarily responsible for the movement of air creating wind?

<p>Cool air rushing in to replace rising warm air. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do clouds affect temperature during the night?

<p>They help trap heat close to the earth's surface. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the North Atlantic Drift?

<p>A narrow, fast-moving current that becomes a slow moving broad flow. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of solar radiation that penetrates the ocean is absorbed in the upper 100 meters?

<p>90% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary methods of heat energy transfer mentioned?

<p>Advection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do oceans contribute to global heat redistribution compared to the atmosphere?

<p>Oceans redistribute about half as much heat as the atmosphere. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main driving force behind the summer monsoon effect?

<p>Warm air over the land rising and drawing moist air inland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the temperature of air as it rises in the troposphere according to the information provided?

<p>The air temperature decreases as altitude increases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these surfaces is expected to have the highest albedo?

<p>clouds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of convection currents, what happens to air as it cools?

<p>It contracts and sinks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common, everyday example can be used to illustrate the concept of convection currents in a fluid?

<p>A boiling pot of water on the stove. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, what is the primary reason for the decrease in temperature as altitude increases within the atmosphere?

<p>A decrease in molecular collisions resulting in less heat release. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is air considered to be a poor conductor of heat?

<p>Air molecules are too far apart to efficiently transfer heat through collisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Bernoulli's principle as described, how does air generally flow?

<p>From areas of high pressure to low pressure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why the Earth's surface and its substances are heated primarily by radiation?

<p>Radiation allows for the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which the sun emits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the information, which of the following is the main method of heat transfer from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere?

<p>Convection of heated air upwards and outwards. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary heat source that drives convection currents within the Earth's mantle?

<p>Radioactive decay and residual heat from Earth's formation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what happens to air as it is warmed by heat radiating from the Earth?

<p>It expands and rises (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of atmospheric convection currents, what causes the air to cool as it rises?

<p>Decreasing temperatures with increasing altitude in the troposphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do clouds have on the Earth's temperature during the daytime, according to the provided text?

<p>They block solar radiation, which reduces the temperature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the direct result of the cooler air rushing to fill the void left by rising warm air?

<p>The formation of wind (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following best describes the transfer of heat from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere?

<p>Primarily through convection and radiation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the moist air to be drawn in from tropical oceans during the summer monsoon effect?

<p>The rising warm air over land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the density of magma change as it loses heat and cools?

<p>It becomes more dense and sinks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT directly increase the density of seawater?

<p>A increase in surface radiation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the thermohaline conveyor belt in the context of global climate?

<p>To redistribute heat from the tropics toward the poles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the high heat capacity of water impact ocean temperatures?

<p>It leads to minimal temperature changes in the ocean. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influence does the Coriolis effect have on the direction of ocean currents?

<p>It causes currents to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do surface temperature gradients influence ocean circulation?

<p>They cause warm waters to flow towards the poles and cold waters to flow towards the equator. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of melting glaciers and icebergs on thermohaline circulation?

<p>It causes the thermohaline circulation to slow down. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does land have a higher albedo than the ocean?

<p>Because land has a rough and textured surface, typically reflecting more radiation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift?

<p>The North Atlantic Drift is the result of the Gulf Stream broadening and slowing down. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Earth's Tilt

The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5 degrees, causing different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

Solstices

The two points in Earth's orbit where the sun is at its greatest distance from the equator, resulting in the longest and shortest days of the year.

Equinoxes

The two points in Earth's orbit where the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal day and night hours.

Leap Year

An extra day added to the calendar every four years to keep the seasons aligned with the Earth's orbit.

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Northern Hemisphere Summer

The hemisphere tilted towards the sun experiences summer, with longer days and more direct sunlight.

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Earth's Spin Axis Tilt

The Earth's spin axis is tilted at a 23.5 degrees angle relative to the ecliptic plane. The ecliptic plane is the plane of Earth's orbit around the sun.

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Tropic of Cancer

The line that marks the furthest point from the equator where the sun's rays are directly overhead at noon on the summer solstice.

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Tropic of Capricorn

The line that marks the furthest point from the equator where the sun's rays are directly overhead at noon on the winter solstice.

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Summer Solstice

The day with the longest hours of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around June 21st.

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Winter Solstice

The day with the shortest hours of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around December 21st.

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Arctic Circle

The imaginary circle that marks the furthest point north where the sun is visible at the summer solstice.

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Antarctic Circle

The imaginary circle that marks the furthest point south where the sun is visible at the summer solstice.

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Daylight Hours

The amount of time between sunrise and sunset.

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Sun's Illumination Angle

The angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface. This angle affects the intensity of sunlight and how much heat is absorbed.

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Why does air pressure decrease with altitude?

Air pressure decreases with altitude because the density of air molecules decreases as you move higher in the atmosphere.

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What is Bernoulli's principle?

Air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. This is due to the difference in the density of air molecules.

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What is radiation heat transfer?

The transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic waves. The sun's energy reaches Earth through radiation.

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What is conduction heat transfer?

The transfer of heat energy through the direct contact of molecules. Metals are good conductors of heat.

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What is convection heat transfer?

The transfer of heat energy through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating convection currents.

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What is convection?

Convection is a method of heat transfer that relies on the movement of fluids (liquids and gases). It involves the rising of warmer, less dense fluids and the sinking of cooler, denser fluids.

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How do convection currents work in the Earth's mantle?

Convection currents in the Earth's mantle are driven by the heat from the Earth's core. Hot, less dense magma rises, while cooler, denser magma sinks, creating a cycle that drives plate tectonics.

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How do convection currents work in the atmosphere?

Convection currents in the atmosphere are driven by the uneven heating of Earth's surface by the sun. Warm air rises, cools, and sinks, creating wind patterns.

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How do clouds affect Earth's temperature?

Clouds can act as a blanket, trapping heat and keeping the Earth warmer at night. During the day, clouds reflect sunlight back into space, making the Earth cooler.

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What is the hydrologic cycle?

The hydrologic cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

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What is the summer monsoon?

The summer monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern characterized by strong winds blowing from the ocean to the land, bringing heavy rainfall. It occurs when the land heats up faster than the ocean, creating a pressure difference.

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Ocean Heat Transfer

The process by which ocean currents move heat from the equator towards the poles. It's a significant aspect of the Earth's climate system.

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High Heat Capacity of Water

The property of water that requires a large amount of energy to change its temperature. This helps regulate the Earth's climate.

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Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving objects, including ocean currents, due to the Earth's rotation. It causes currents to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Gulf Stream

A strong, warm ocean current that flows northward along the eastern coast of North America, bringing warm water to higher latitudes.

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Thermohaline Circulation

Deep ocean circulation driven by differences in temperature and salinity, which affect the density of water. It plays a crucial role in global climate regulation.

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Impact of Glacier Melting on Thermohaline Circulation

Melting glaciers add freshwater to the ocean, diluting the salinity. This slows down thermohaline circulation, potentially affecting global climate patterns.

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Albedo

The ability of a surface to reflect sunlight. Surfaces with high albedo reflect more light, while those with low albedo absorb more.

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Albedo of Ice and Snow

Ice and snow have a high albedo, reflecting a significant portion of solar radiation back into space. This helps regulate Earth's temperature.

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Convection

The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids like liquids and gases. This process is crucial for understanding how heat is distributed in the atmosphere and ocean.

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Conduction

The process of heat transfer through direct contact between substances. Metals are excellent conductors, while air is a poor conductor.

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Radiation

The transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic radiation. The Earth is heated by the sun's radiation. Various substances on Earth then absorb this energy and release it as heat.

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Air Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of air molecules. It decreases as altitude increases because the air becomes less dense.

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Bernoulli's Principle

Air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. This is a fundamental principle in understanding wind and other atmospheric phenomena.

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How does convection work in the atmosphere?

Air in the atmosphere acts as a fluid, where warmer, less dense air rises, and cooler, denser air sinks, creating convection currents.

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How does boiling water demonstrate convection?

Boiling water demonstrates convection. As the water at the bottom of the pot heats up, it expands, becomes less dense, and rises. The cooler, denser water at the top sinks, creating a cycle of rising and sinking water.

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Ocean Surface Heating

Ocean surfaces absorb most of the sun's energy in the top 100 meters, creating warmer, less dense surface water.

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Ocean Circulation: What's the Driving Force?

Driven by solar energy, unequal heating of the Earth creates global wind patterns, which in turn drive ocean currents.

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Coriolis Effect and Ocean Currents

The Earth's rotation causes moving water to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

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What is the Gulf Stream?

A narrow, fast-moving warm current in the Atlantic Ocean that brings warm water towards Europe.

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Thermohaline Circulation: Why does deep water move?

The deep ocean circulation driven by differences in water temperature and salinity (saltiness), which influence water density. Denser water sinks, less dense water rises.

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Ice and Albedo

Ice, with its high reflectivity (albedo), reflects a significant portion of incoming solar radiation back into space. This helps cool the planet.

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Study Notes

Seasons: Visual Representation

  • Images show Earth at different times of the year (December, March, June, September).
  • Images are true-color representations of Earth's surface at those times.

What Causes Earth's Seasons?

  • Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees.
  • This tilt remains constant as Earth orbits the sun.
  • The tilt causes the hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight and heat throughout the year.

The Four Seasons and Earth's Axis Tilt

  • Summer Solstice: Sunlight is most direct on the Northern Hemisphere (or Southern Hemisphere in winter).
  • Winter Solstice: Sunlight is most direct on the Southern Hemisphere (or Northern Hemisphere in summer).
  • Spring Equinox: Equal sunlight on both hemispheres
  • Fall Equinox (Autumnal Equinox): Equal sunlight on both hemispheres

Definitions of Solstices and Equinoxes

  • Equinox: "equal days" - Earth's axis is perpendicular to the sun, meaning equal day and night length around the world.
  • Solstice: Occurs when the sun is at its greatest distance from the equator. This is when the Earth's axis is pointed directly at the sun.

Dates of Equinoxes and Solstices

  • Spring (Vernal) Equinox: ~March 21
  • Summer Solstice: ~June 21
  • Fall (Autumnal) Equinox: ~September 23
  • Winter Solstice: ~December 21

Equinox and Solstice Approximations

  • Dates are approximate.
  • Actual time is 365 days 5 hours 49 minutes, thus adding a leap year every 4 years.

Northern Hemisphere Summer

  • More daylight hours and more direct sunlight.
  • Sun's rays spread over a wide area during summer months.
  • Sun's rays spread over a narrow area during winter months.

Height of Sun for Canada

  • Winter: Sun stays low in the sky.
  • Spring: Sun moves higher than in winter.
  • Summer: Sun travels high.
  • Fall: Sun travels to a medium height.

Daylight Hours Across the Globe (Data Charts)

  • Data provided show varying daylight hours in different locations throughout the year.
  • Information from locations around the world is listed (Miami, Brisbane, Nairobi, Punta Arenas, Nome, Singapore, Cape Town, Seattle, Vostok). Specific daylight hours for each location provided in tables.

Tilt of Earth's Spin Axis

  • Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees from vertical, relative to the Earth's orbital plane around the sun.
  • This tilt remains constant throughout the year.

Seasonal Diagrams (Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall images)

  • Diagrams showing Earth's position relative to the Sun and the location of sunlight.
  • Diagrams depicting the different positions of Earth's axis relative to sunlight at the solstices and equinoxes.

Temperature Effects of Seasons

  • Longer days and more intense sunlight during summer.
  • Lag time between the dates of the solstice and actual extremes in temperature.
  • Oceans and atmosphere need time to heat and cool, respectively.
  • No tilt = no seasons.

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Related Documents

Seasons PDF
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Description

Explore the fascinating reasons behind Earth's seasons through vibrant visual representations and easy-to-understand explanations. Learn how Earth's axial tilt and the resulting solstices and equinoxes create the changing seasons we experience throughout the year.

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