Understanding Climate Change and Global Warming

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According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?

The rate of global temperature increase has accelerated in recent decades. (correct)

The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has no impact on global temperatures.

The Earth's temperature has remained constant over the past century.

Global temperature changes are occurring at a slower rate than in Earth's past.

What is the primary reason given in the passage for the observed increase in global temperatures?

Changes in the Earth's orbit and tilt, altering the amount of solar radiation received.

A decrease in the Earth's reflectivity, causing it to absorb more heat from the sun.

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which traps heat from Earth's surface. (correct)

Depletion of the ozone layer, allowing more harmful radiation to reach Earth's surface.

What is the significance of the statement "Eleven of the last twelve years have been the warmest on record"?

It highlights the unprecedented nature of recent global temperature increases. (correct)

It implies that the Earth's temperature fluctuates in a cyclical pattern.

It indicates that the Earth's temperature is approaching its maximum possible limit.

It suggests that global temperatures have been relatively stable in recent years.

According to the passage, how do scientists study Earth's past temperature and carbon dioxide levels?

By studying the chemical composition of ice cores. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the information in the passage?

The observed temperature increases are directly linked to human activities. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information in the passage, what can be inferred about the relationship between carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures?

There is a positive feedback loop between carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary sources that scientists use to study Earth's climate history?

Ice cores, sediment cores, tree rings, and rock layers Signup and view all the answers

What do scientists learn from studying the bubbles in ice core layers?

The amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) present in the atmosphere for each year Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists determine the temperatures for each year from ice cores?

By analyzing the isotopic ratios of oxygen atoms in the water molecules Signup and view all the answers

What happens when scientists' findings from different sources disagree about Earth's climate history?

They conduct further research to identify and resolve the discrepancies Signup and view all the answers

Why are glaciers considered a form of melting, shrinking ice?

Glaciers are frozen rivers that flow very slowly, and they have been speeding up lately Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the observed melting and shrinking of Arctic sea ice and glaciers?

Rising global temperatures due to climate change Signup and view all the answers

Understanding Climate Change and Global Warming

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