ENV 200: Global Warming and Climate Change

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What determines the temperature of Earth?

The amount of sunlight Earth receives and the atmospheric retention of re-radiated heat (correct)

The amount of sunlight Earth reflects and atmospheric retention of re-radiated heat

The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and Earth's distance from the Sun

The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere and Earth's axial tilt

What is the main reason for the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere?

Changes in the Earth's magnetic field and solar flare activity

Agriculture, deforestation, and burning of fossil fuels (correct)

Increase in Earth's axial tilt and changes in Earth's orbit

Volcanic eruptions and natural wildfires

What would happen to the Earth's surface if there was no greenhouse effect?

The Earth would be much hotter and humid

Most of the surface water would be frozen (correct)

The Earth's atmosphere would disappear

Most of the surface water would evaporate

What is the main function of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

To absorb infrared radiation from the Earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere over the past few centuries?

A rapid increase Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the natural phenomenon that occurs on Earth and other planets, where certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat?

The greenhouse effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of atmospheric aerosols on air mean temperature in the USA?

A decrease of around 1°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of drought on the global warming process?

It accelerates global warming due to the decrease in growth of trees and other plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of particles of ash and sulfur dioxide on incoming solar radiation?

They scatter incoming solar radiation, counterbalancing the effect of greenhouse gases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the projected consequence of global warming on glaciers?

They will shrink rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of wildfires on the atmosphere?

They add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of global warming on ecosystems?

They will collapse and become less diverse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of a rise in Earth's temperature, according to the concept of radiative forcing?

The Earth receives more incoming energy from sunlight than it radiates to space Signup and view all the answers

What period of climate history is associated with increased solar radiation?

The Medieval Warm Period Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which volcanic eruptions influence the climate?

The reflection of sunlight by aerosols Signup and view all the answers

What is the observed trend in the troposphere and stratosphere since 1975 that contradicts the expectation of a hotter sun?

The troposphere has warmed while the stratosphere has cooled Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of solar variation in climate change over geological timescales?

It is the main driver of climate change over geological timescales Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a negative radiative forcing?

A net loss of energy and cooling Signup and view all the answers