GEOG 102 Midterm 1 Review

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Questions and Answers

What best defines an open system in the context of natural systems?

A system that operates in isolation from external influences.

A self-contained system with no external interactions.

A system that has both inputs and outputs of energy and matter. (correct)

A system that only exchanges energy with its surroundings.

Which of the following is a characteristic of systems in dynamic equilibrium?

Energy and matter are neither entering nor leaving the system.

The system remains entirely unchanged over time.

There are constant inputs and outputs maintaining balance. (correct)

All components of the system are static and do not influence each other.

How does the concept of the Anthropocene relate to human activities?

It indicates a return to pre-industrial environmental conditions.

It signifies a period of time unmarked by human impact.

It emphasizes the significant influence of human activities on Earth's geology and ecosystems. (correct)

It represents a phase where natural systems remained unaffected by humans.

What is one implication of the human footprint in the context of sustainability?

It highlights the need for responsible management of resources and energy. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a feedback loop in environmental systems?

It is an interaction that can amplify or diminish changes within a system. Signup and view all the answers

What role do greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane play in the greenhouse effect?

They absorb longwave radiation from Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the current net effect of cloud layers according to the provided information?

To cool the Earth through increased albedo. Signup and view all the answers

How do high thin clouds affect the Earth's temperature?

They trap heat and warm the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of radiation can clouds scatter, according to the information provided?

Between 20-90% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of low, thick clouds on Earth?

They help to cool the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary source of methane (CH4) emissions?

Rice cultivation Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the long atmospheric lifetime of nitrous oxide (N2O)?

Low rates of oxidation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor affects the residence time of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere?

Uptake rates by oceans and plants Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the natural processes that leads to methane emissions?

Permafrost thawing Signup and view all the answers

Which gas has the second-highest ranking in terms of greenhouse gas emissions?

Methane (CH4) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of positive feedback in a system?

To amplify and reinforce the effects of an initial change Signup and view all the answers

How does negative feedback function within a system?

It dampens effects to preserve the initial state Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an equilibrium state in a system?

System remains balanced over time with fluctuations around an average Signup and view all the answers

What is the angle of Earth's axial tilt relative to the plane of ecliptic?

66.5° Signup and view all the answers

How does the shape of Earth influence sunlight distribution?

It causes sunlight to be spread over a larger area at the poles Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the metastable state of a system?

The system shifts from one state to another abruptly Signup and view all the answers

What do Milankovitch cycles primarily describe?

Variations in Earth’s axial tilt and orbit shape Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'dynamic equilibrium'?

Values may change while remaining around an average Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that influences heat transfer through conduction?

Molecule-to-molecule transfer Signup and view all the answers

What type of heat is characterized by being felt through sensory perception?

Sensible heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when energy is transferred by the vertical movement of fluid?

Convection Signup and view all the answers

Which heat transfer process involves energy traveling through air or space as electromagnetic waves?

Radiation Signup and view all the answers

During which phase change is energy released as latent heat?

Freezing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principal temperature control?

Air pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which greenhouse gas level is currently at its highest since the Pliocene epoch?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the sea level when CO2 levels were as high as today during the Pliocene?

It was 5-40 m higher Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mid-Term Structure

Examination consists of 10 multiple-choice questions and 7 short answer questions.
Students must answer 5 short answer questions, each worth 4 marks.
Responses should be written in full sentences; diagrams are encouraged for clarity.

Study Strategy

Identify core concepts from each lecture.
Utilize overview and summary slides to grasp broad topics.
Review lecture slides and assigned textbook readings for additional context.
Understand and compare concepts, such as metastable vs. dynamic equilibrium.

Earth System Science

Focus on topics like human impact, open/closed systems, feedback loops, and equilibrium.

The Human Footprint

Emphasizes sustainability across agriculture, energy, resources, and development.
Examples include the impact of Belgian wind farms and deforestation in Rio de Janeiro.

Open vs. Closed Systems

Open systems interact with their environment, having both inputs and outputs of energy and matter.
Closed systems, like Earth regarding water and air, have limited resources and are relatively self-contained.

Feedback Loops

Positive feedback amplifies changes, leading to greater deviations from the starting state, creating instability.
Negative feedback moderates change, promoting stability and self-regulation within the system.

Equilibrium States

Systems can reach equilibrium, maintaining balance over time.
Types of equilibrium include:
- Steady-state: Fluctuations around an average value.
- Dynamic equilibrium: Changes in average values over time.
- Metastable equilibrium: Resulting from abrupt transitions between states.

Earth's Axial Tilt

The Earth's axis tilts at approximately 23.5° relative to the plane of the ecliptic, influencing seasonal changes.
Earth's shape affects sunlight distribution, with sunlight spread over larger areas at the poles.

Milankovitch Cycles

Variations in Earth's orbit and axial tilt affect climate and seasonal patterns over thousands of years.

Greenhouse Effect

Longwave radiation from Earth is absorbed by greenhouse gases like CO2, H2O, and CH4, leading to increased atmospheric temperatures.
Low, thick clouds generally cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight, while high, thin clouds trap heat.

Greenhouse Gases Sources

Major sources of methane include rice cultivation, livestock waste, and fossil fuel usage.
Nitrous oxide emissions are linked to motor vehicles and nitrogen fertilizers, with a long atmospheric lifetime of 121 years.

Residence Time of Gases

CO2 has a prolonged residence time in the atmosphere, influenced by uptake rates from oceans, plants, and rock weathering.

Human Impact on Climate

Current CO2 levels are historically similar to the Pliocene era (3-5 million years ago), when Arctic temperatures were significantly higher, and sea levels were notably elevated.

Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Heat transfer occurs from hot to cold regions through:
- Conduction: Direct transfer between molecules.
- Radiation: Energy spread as electromagnetic waves.
- Convection: Vertical energy movement in fluids.
- Advection: Horizontal energy movement similar to convection.

Sensible vs. Latent Heat

Sensible heat is the energy felt as temperature changes.
Latent heat is the energy consumed or released during phase changes, such as when water freezes, releasing heat.

Principal Temperature Controls

Key factors affecting temperature include:
- Latitude: Distance from the equator.
- Altitude/Elevation: Height above sea level.
- Cloud Cover: Impacting solar radiation.
- Proximity to Water Bodies: Water's specific heat moderates temperatures.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Prepare for your GEOG 102 midterm with this comprehensive review. The quiz consists of multiple choice and short answer questions focused on core concepts from lectures. Utilize the overview and summary slides to bolster your understanding and confidently tackle the exam.