Weather vs. Climate and Earth's Seasons

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Questions and Answers

What does a high albedo of a surface indicate?

The surface remains at a higher temperature.

Less sunlight is being reflected.

More sunlight is absorbed by the surface.

More heat is reflected from the surface. (correct)

How does the melting of ice caps contribute to global warming?

It results in a higher albedo and reflects more sunlight.

It decreases the overall temperature of the planet.

It allows the Earth's temperature to stabilize.

It reduces the amount of light reflected back into the atmosphere. (correct)

What is a significant distinction between mitigation and adaptation?

Mitigation is solely about planting trees for CO2 reduction.

Mitigation addresses causes while adaptation addresses effects. (correct)

Adaptation reverses the problem while mitigation does not.

Mitigation is a temporary solution while adaptation is permanent.

Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence used to assess past climates?

Trends in economic growth Signup and view all the answers

What does the cap and trade system do?

It allows businesses to exchange carbon usage limits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Kyoto Protocol?

To reduce carbon emissions to levels below those of 1900. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT considered a way for governments and businesses to combat climate change?

Encouraging fossil fuel usage. Signup and view all the answers

Why is planting trees a method of mitigation regarding climate change?

It helps sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes weather from climate?

Weather is measured over short periods, while climate is measured over long periods. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of graph specifically illustrates temperature and precipitation over many years?

Climatograph Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of the enhanced greenhouse effect on global temperatures?

It leads to higher temperatures by trapping more infrared radiation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a carbon sink?

Forests Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between global warming and climate change?

Climate change can lead to global cooling as well. Signup and view all the answers

What is one major consequence of rising sea levels as an indicator of climate change?

Loss of coastal habitats and increased flooding. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the increase in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, due to climate change?

Higher ocean temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

Which greenhouse gas is primarily linked to livestock production?

Methane Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weather vs. Climate

Weather is the short-term atmospheric conditions of a specific location
Climate is the long-term average weather patterns of a region
A climatograph is a graph used to measure precipitation and temperature over a long period, typically several years, to understand a region's climate

Earth's Tilt and Seasons

The Earth's tilt causes the Northern hemisphere to be tilted toward the sun in the summer, resulting in more concentrated sunlight and warmer temperatures
The Earth's tilt causes the Northern hemisphere to be tilted away from the sun in the winter, resulting in less concentrated sunlight and colder temperatures

The Greenhouse Effect

The natural greenhouse effect is the process where greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation, warming the Earth's surface
Greenhouse gases include Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), and Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
CO2 is released from burning fossil fuels, CH4 from livestock, and N2O from fertilizers
The enhanced greenhouse effect, also known as the anthropogenic greenhouse effect, is caused by human activities that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

Carbon Sink vs. Carbon Source

Carbon sources release more carbon than they absorb, such as fossil fuels and trees
Carbon sinks absorb more carbon than they release, such as oceans and forests

Climate Change vs. Global Warming

Global warming refers specifically to the increase in Earth's average temperature over time
Climate change is a broader term encompassing changes in weather patterns, precipitation, and other climatic variables

Indicators of Climate Change

Rising sea levels
Melting glaciers and ice caps
Increases in average global temperatures

Impacts of Climate Change

Extreme weather events: Increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes
Forests: Drier climates leading to increased wildfires
Human Health: Decreased air quality leading to increased respiratory illnesses

Albedo

Albedo is the reflectivity of a surface
Surfaces with high albedo, like snow and ice, reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat
Surfaces with low albedo, like asphalt and dark soil, absorb more sunlight and reflect less heat

Positive Feedback Loop

Melting ice caps contribute to a positive feedback loop because ice has a high albedo
As ice melts, the Earth's surface absorbs more heat, leading to further ice melt and a warming cycle

Past Climate

Scientists use various pieces of evidence to assess past climates, including
- Changes in temperature records
- Changes in ice cores
- Changes in sea levels

Mitigation vs. Adaptation

Mitigation refers to actions that reduce the causes of climate change, such as planting trees to remove CO2 from the atmosphere
Adaptation refers to actions taken to adjust to the impacts of climate change, such as using air conditioning to cope with rising temperatures

Carbon Offsets

Carbon offsets are investments made to reduce carbon emissions elsewhere to compensate for emissions created by individual activities
The cap-and-trade system is one example of a carbon offset program where companies can purchase or sell carbon credits to meet emissions targets

Government, Industry, and Business Action

Governments can implement policies such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to reduce emissions
Industries can invest in renewable energy sources and develop more efficient technologies
Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability practices.

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Description

Explore the fundamental differences between weather and climate, and how the Earth's tilt affects seasonal changes. Understand the greenhouse effect and the role of greenhouse gases in warming the planet. This quiz covers essential concepts related to meteorology and climate science.