Environmental Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the radiation balance indicate about the amounts of incoming and outgoing radiation?

Radiation is only outgoing.

There is more incoming than outgoing radiation.

Outgoing radiation exceeds incoming radiation.

There is an equal amount of incoming and outgoing radiation. (correct)

What can be expected if the energy coming in equals the energy going out in terms of atmospheric temperature?

The temperature fluctuates wildly.

The temperature remains the same. (correct)

The temperature drops dramatically.

The temperature rises significantly.

What is the average temperature of Earth due to the influence of natural greenhouse gases?

10 °C

15 °C (correct)

18 °C

20 °C

What would be the average temperature without natural greenhouse gases?

18 °C Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the decision to switch to a less polluting fuel for electricity generation?

To generate less CO2 emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the distance from Houma to New Orleans?

About 70 kilometres Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the outcome of the Mississippi River flowing into the Gulf of Mexico?

Erosion of land occurs during stormy weather. Signup and view all the answers

How does the coal-fired power plant contribute to the natural greenhouse effect?

By releasing CO2 into the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Lake Pontchartrain due to the delta estuary's growth?

Land is added, closing the lake. Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, what impact do oil refineries have on global temperatures?

They emit gases that enhance the greenhouse effect Signup and view all the answers

How far does the delta estuary of the Mississippi River extend into the Gulf of Mexico?

150 km Signup and view all the answers

Which sector is stated as causing almost 3/4 of all greenhouse gas emissions?

Energy needs Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the consequence of the Earth's failure to cool at night when the global temperature rises by 2 degrees?

Oceans and atmosphere storing heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect attributed to?

Additional greenhouse gases from human activities Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about transportation modes is correct based on the analysis provided?

Shipping is the most polluting mode of transport Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the radiation balance when extra greenhouse gases are emitted?

More heat remains in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

How have CO2 emissions evolved from 1750 to the present day?

They remained stable until 1850, then increased slightly before a strong rise post-1930. Signup and view all the answers

Which three economic sectors are the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions?

Energy production, agriculture and forestry, and industry. Signup and view all the answers

What does the IPCC predict about temperature evolution in the 21st century?

Polar regions will experience greater warming than other regions. Signup and view all the answers

Which countries have contributed the most to CO2 emissions since 1750?

United States, Russia, and China. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship exists between income and CO2 emissions per inhabitant?

Higher income usually correlates with higher CO2 emissions per inhabitant. Signup and view all the answers

What explanation is given for the lack of correlation between countries with high CO2 emissions and the largest temperature increases?

Wind patterns and ocean currents distribute CO2 globally. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where human activities lead to additional heat retention in the atmosphere?

Enhanced greenhouse effect. Signup and view all the answers

When did greenhouse gas emissions see a significant increase?

After 1930. Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as the global warming potential (GWP)?

The extent a greenhouse gas contributes to the greenhouse effect Signup and view all the answers

How does carbon dioxide (CO2) primarily impact the enhanced greenhouse effect?

It has a low GWP but is highly concentrated Signup and view all the answers

What is one major consequence of global warming related to sea levels?

Expanding ocean water due to heating Signup and view all the answers

By how much has the sea level typically risen on average in recent years?

3 mm per year Signup and view all the answers

How is surface ice in the Arctic characterized since 1980?

It's almost halved Signup and view all the answers

What is the predicted sea level rise by 2100 according to the SSP 5-8.5 scenario?

2 meters Signup and view all the answers

In comparing predicted sea level rise in Spitsbergen and New Orleans, what is a notable observation?

New Orleans has a potential drop in sea level Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to sea level rise due to global warming?

Melting of glaciers and ice caps ending up in the seas Signup and view all the answers

What is one major effect of the thawing of permafrost?

Release of stored greenhouse gases Signup and view all the answers

How does melting ice influence global warming?

It allows more sunlight to be converted into heat Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes consequences that amplify global warming?

Positive feedback loops Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of global warming?

Improved crop yields globally Signup and view all the answers

What happens to climate zones as a result of global warming?

They shift, prompting species migration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the enhanced greenhouse effect is true?

It contributes to global warming Signup and view all the answers

What role do plants play in the context of global warming?

They absorb CO2, mitigating climate change Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct result of increasing global temperatures on polar regions?

Melting of ice Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radiation Balance

The ratio of outgoing to incoming energy in radiation is called the radiation balance.
There is an equal amount of incoming and outgoing radiation at the top of the atmosphere.
If there is as much energy coming in as going out, the temperature of the atmosphere will remain the same.

Natural Greenhouse Gases

The Earth converts incoming solar energy into heat.
Natural greenhouse gases absorb some of this heat, resulting in an average temperature of 15 °C.
Without natural greenhouse gases, the average temperature would be -18 °C.

Houma and New Orleans

Houma is located about 70 kilometers from New Orleans.
The Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico, creating new land as silt deposits.
Stormy weather can cause erosion and alter the coastline, as seen in Louisiana over the past 4,000 years.

Delta Estuary

The mouth of the Mississippi River forms a small delta.
The delta estuary grows by land being added, which can close off lakes like Lake Pontchartrain.
The delta estuary can move up to 150 kilometers into the Gulf of Mexico.
Stormy weather can cause the sea to inundate parts of the delta estuary.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A coal-fired power plant emits CO2, which increases the natural greenhouse effect and raises Earth's temperature.
Switching to less polluting fuels can reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate the effects on the greenhouse effect and temperature.

Oil Refinery Impacts

Oil refineries emit gases that enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to a rise in global temperature.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sources

Road transport emits the most greenhouse gases.
Almost 3/4 of all greenhouse gas emissions are caused by energy needs.
Shipping is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Agriculture is more polluting than industry.

Global Warming at Night

When the global temperature rises by 2 degrees, the Earth no longer cools effectively at night because oceans and the atmosphere store the heat.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Human activities, such as agriculture, energy consumption, and industry, release additional greenhouse gases.
These gases trap more heat radiated from the Earth's surface and atmosphere, warming the lower atmosphere.
The amplification of the natural greenhouse effect due to human activities is called the enhanced greenhouse effect.

CO2 Emissions Evolution

CO2 emissions were low until 1850, then increased slightly until a rapid increase began in 1930.
The three economic sectors that emit the most greenhouse gases are energy production, agriculture and forestry, and industry.

Global Temperature Evolution

Since 1000, global temperature slightly decreased until around 1900.
After 1900, the temperature has rapidly increased.

IPCC Predictions

The IPCC predicts that land will heat up more than water in the 21st century.
The polar regions will heat up more than other areas.
Deserts are not predicted to cool down.

CO2 Emissions and Global Warming

The United States, Russia, and China have emitted the most CO2 since 1750.
These countries do not necessarily experience the largest temperature increases due to the spread of CO2 by winds and currents.

Income and CO2 Emissions

Higher income (GDP per capita) is associated with higher CO2 emissions per inhabitant.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect Summary

Human activities release greenhouse gases that trap more heat in the atmosphere.
This enhances the greenhouse effect, warming the lower atmosphere.
Countries with high levels of industrialization and development contribute significantly to CO2 emissions.

Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming Potential (GWP)

CO2 has a relatively low GWP, but its high concentration makes it a significant contributor to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Consequences of Global Warming

Sea levels are rising due to melting glaciers and ice caps, calving glaciers, and thermal expansion of water.
Climate zones are shifting, causing migrations of plant and animal species.
The permafrost is thawing, releasing greenhouse gases.
Melting ice decreases albedo, allowing the Earth's surface to absorb more heat.
These changes amplify global warming, creating positive feedback loops.

Global Warming Conclusion

Global warming due to the enhanced greenhouse effect has various consequences.
Rising sea levels can flood low-lying areas.
Shifting climate zones lead to animal migration.
Extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rains, occur more frequently.
The thawing of permafrost releases greenhouse gases, further amplifying the greenhouse effect.
While warming in polar regions decreases albedo, leading to more heat absorption, plant growth in those areas can potentially absorb some CO2, counteracting global warming.
Humans were not responsible for past climate changes in geological history.

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Description

Test your knowledge on radiation balance, natural greenhouse gases, and the geographical aspects of Houma and New Orleans. This quiz explores how these elements interact within the Earth's environment. Assess how human activities and natural processes influence climate and geography.