GEO217 - Climate Change Effects Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What effect does a warmer world have on air moisture?

Air holds more moisture. (correct)

Air moisture remains the same.

Air holds less moisture.

Air moisture depends solely on precipitation.

How do heavier rainstorms affect the ground?

They decrease nutrient flow.

They improve water retention.

They increase surface runoff. (correct)

They reduce soil erosion.

What negative impact does fertilizer runoff have on aquatic systems?

It improves fish habitats.

It decreases water temperature.

It promotes algae blooms. (correct)

It removes contaminants from water.

What happens to fish populations as temperatures rise?

They tend to move towards cooler waters. Signup and view all the answers

How does snowpack melting contribute to water supply?

It helps replenish rivers and streams. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of increased surface runoff?

Increased pollutants in water bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of warmer water on dissolved oxygen levels for fish?

It decreases the amount of dissolved oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does snow falling as rain instead of snow have on water storage?

It decreases long-term water storage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of climate change on extreme weather events?

More extreme weather events. Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change primarily affect the water cycle?

It leads to more unpredictable and polluted water. Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence does rising sea levels cause?

Loss of land and assets. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do droughts have on communities according to climate change effects?

Triggering civil unrest and migration. Signup and view all the answers

How does warmer air relate to humidity levels?

Warmer air can hold more moisture than cool air. Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of increased water demand in the context of climate change?

Greater degradation of critical water-dependent carbon sinks. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does climate change affect food production?

It complicates access to water necessary for agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollution is associated with climate change?

Increase in levels of ozone and particulate matter. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to drier conditions later in the year for regions dependent on snowmelt?

Lack of snowpack Signup and view all the answers

Which ice sheet is considered particularly vulnerable to collapse due to climate change?

West Antarctic ice sheet Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of climate change on crop yields?

Higher temperatures can exceed optimal growth conditions Signup and view all the answers

How can rising water temperatures affect marine life?

Shift habitat ranges for fish and shellfish species Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of increased CO2 levels on crops?

Some studies suggest it can increase plant growth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and future sea level rise?

Future sea level rise is dependent on the rate of emissions reduction Signup and view all the answers

What challenges do changes in drought and flood frequency pose for farmers?

Threatened food safety and reliance on stable growing conditions Signup and view all the answers

What factor must be considered alongside climate change in agricultural production?

Advancements in technology and farming practices Signup and view all the answers

How does rising CO2 affect the nutritional value of food crops?

It reduces the concentrations of protein and essential minerals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors may counteract potential increases in crop yield due to rising CO2?

Changing temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential threat to human health related to climate change and crop production?

Higher pesticide use due to increased pest pressures. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is mentioned regarding water supply in agriculture under climate change?

Reduced water supplies in some areas. Signup and view all the answers

How is food security likely to be affected by climate change?

Food availability may be disrupted. Signup and view all the answers

What extreme weather events may contribute to food price spikes according to the content?

Increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential impact of climate change on livestock?

Heat waves that threaten livestock directly. Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation option is often more limited in developing countries due to climate change?

Access to advanced agricultural technology. Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct effect of heat stress on livestock?

Increased vulnerability to disease Signup and view all the answers

How does drought influence livestock feed supplies?

By threatening pasture and feed supplies Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of increased atmospheric CO2 for pastures?

Productivity of pastures may increase Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do aquatic species face when moving to colder areas?

Increased competition over food and resources Signup and view all the answers

How does ocean acidification impact shellfish?

Weakens their shells by removing calcium Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of warmer temperatures for corals?

Bleaching due to disease outbreaks Signup and view all the answers

How might climate change affect fisheries?

By causing shifts in species due to temperature changes Signup and view all the answers

What disease issue has arisen from changing climates affecting marine life?

Spread of diseases to Arctic salmon Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

GEO217 - Climate Change and Sustainability

Course instructors: Mohamed Mahmoud, PhD and Tarek Abdel Shafy, PhD
Contact information for instructors provided
University: Galala University, powered by Arizona State University

Global Warming Impacts on Climate and Risk Factors

More extreme weather events (storms, cyclones, flooding)
More frequent, hotter, and longer heat waves
Rapid glacier melting causes landslides, flash floods, and reduced water availability
Disturbed rainfall patterns lead to more droughts, more extreme precipitation events, more intense rainfall, floods, and disrupted water supply.
Sea-level rise causes saline water intrusion, loss of land/assets, and increased coastal flood frequency/severity.
Air pollution increases exposure to particulate matter and ozone, increasing hospitalizations and deaths from respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma).

The Impact of Climate Change on the Water Cycle

Climate change is primarily a water crisis, evidenced by worsening floods, rising sea levels, shrinking ice, and droughts.
Extreme weather events make water more scarce and unpredictable.
These impacts threaten sustainable development, biodiversity, and access to water/sanitation.
Flooding and rising sea levels can contaminate land and water resources with saltwater or fecal matter, damaging infrastructure (wells, toilets, and wastewater treatment facilities)
Droughts destabilize communities and trigger civil unrest and migration.
Growing water demand necessitates energy-intensive pumping, transportation, treatment, and contributes to the degradation of critical water-dependent carbon sinks (e.g., peatlands).
Water-intensive agriculture (particularly meat production and biofuel crops) exacerbates water scarcity.

Climate Change and Water Cycle Diagram

Global warming alters nearly every stage of the water cycle.
These changes will put pressure on drinking water supplies, food production, and property values.

Evaporation

Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing water uptake from oceans, lakes, soil, and plants.
Drier conditions negatively impact drinking water supplies and agriculture.

Precipitation

Extra warm, wet air cools, resulting in heavier rain/snowstorms.

Surface Runoff

Heavier rainstorms increase surface runoff (water flowing over the ground after a storm).
Runoff can strip nutrients, carry pollutants, and introduce dirt/undesirables into water bodies, making water purification more expensive.
Runoff before entering a channel can be a non-point source of pollution.

Surface Runoff (continued)

Runoff transports sediments and contaminants, harming fish and wildlife.
Fertilizer runoff causes algae blooms (eutrophication), suffocating aquatic life and creating a stinky mess.
Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, further harming fish and aquatic life.

Oceans

Warmer temperatures and increased acidity challenge sea creatures.
Fish migration towards cooler waters impacts fishing industries and human consumption.
Melting ice sheets and glaciers increase sea levels, jeopardizing coastal properties.

Snowpack

Snowpack melts in spring, replenishing water supplies.
Warmer temperatures shift precipitation from snow to rain, reducing water storage for later use.
Rain accelerates snowmelt, leading to drier conditions and impacting water supplies for regions that rely on snowmelt.

Implications of Sea Level Rise

Ice sheets and glaciers melt into oceans, causing sea level rise.
Ocean warming and expansion (due to heat absorption) further contribute to sea level rise.
Future sea level rise depends on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Massive ice melt in Antarctica and Greenland is a major threat.
Sufficient ice on Earth could raise sea levels by 70 meters.

The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

Increased droughts and floods challenge farmers/ranchers and threaten food safety.
Warmer water temperatures disrupt fish and shellfish ecosystems.
Climate change makes it harder to maintain past agricultural practices.
Evolving factors such as farming practices and technology also impact agricultural production.

Climate Change Impacts on Crop Yield

Increased temperature impacts crop yields depending on the crop's optimal temperature for growth and reproduction.
Warming may benefit some crops or allow farmers to shift to crops suited for warmer regions.
Extremely high temperatures negatively impact crop yields.

Higher CO2 Levels and Crop Yields

Elevated CO2 levels can stimulate plant growth; however, other factors limit potential yield increases.
Increased CO2 reduces nutritional value in food crops (e.g., wheat, soybeans, rice).
Human health is threatened by increased pesticide use (due to pest pressures/reduced efficacy).
Extreme temperatures/precipitation harm crops and reduce yield.

Dealing with Drought

Increased temperatures lead to drier soils, potentially requiring increased irrigation.
Reduced water availability during dry seasons can create challenges for irrigation.

Climate Change and Food Insecurity

Climate change impacts food security (global/regional/local).
Disrupted food availability/access, and reduced/affected food quality.
Increased extreme weather events/spikes in food prices disrupt food delivery.
Adaptation options like changes in crop management/ranching practices, and irrigation improvements are harder in developing countries.

Climate Change Impacts on Livestock

Heat waves directly threaten livestock.
Heat stress reduces fertility, milk production, and increases vulnerability to disease.
Drought reduces forage/feedstock availability.
Higher summer temperatures and reduced precipitation worsen drought effects.

Climate Change Impacts on Livestock (continued)

Climate change increases prevalence of parasites and diseases.
Earlier spring/warmer winters allow parasites/pathogens to survive more easily.
Increased atmospheric CO2 can increase pasture productivity but reduce quality, forcing cattle to eat more to maintain nutritional benefits.

Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries

Many aquatic species migrate to colder areas.
Increased ocean acidity from atmospheric CO2 harms shellfish.
Climate change links to marine diseases (oyster parasites, salmon diseases, coral bleaching).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the impacts of climate change, particularly regarding global warming and its effects on extreme weather and the water cycle. This quiz will cover key concepts such as air pollution, sea-level rise, and changes in rainfall patterns. Assess your understanding of the critical environmental issues addressed in GEO217.