OCE1001 Chapter 16

How long is the most important eccentricity cycle for Earth's orbit? 1 million years 10,000 years 100,000 years 1000 years

100,000 years

How long is the cycle of precession for Earth's orbit? 2600 years 260,000 years 2,600,000 years 26,000 years

26,000 years

How much of the Sun's incoming radiation is scattered or reflected back to space before any heating effect is felt on Earth? 69% 31% 21% 7% 18%

31%

Since 1750, the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased by more than: 10%. 20%. 30%. 40%. 50%.

40%.

How long is the cycle of obliquity for Earth's orbit? 410,000 years 410 years 41,000 years 4100 years

41,000 years

How much of the Sun's incoming radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface? 20% 45% 18% 48% 25%

45%

Of the following, which are examples of climate feedback loops? the shading effect from air pollution the role of clouds at different altitudes the addition of water vapor into the atmosphere heat uptake by the oceans the presence of fine atmospheric particles called aerosols

ALL

Which of the following characteristics of Earth's relationship to the Sun explains the existence of Earth's seasons? Choose all that apply. Earth spins on its axis, completing one rotation each day. Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane. Earth orbits around the Sun, completing one orbit each year. Earth has a satellite called the Moon, which rotates around Earth. Earth's axis always points in the same direction relative to the stars.

All EXCEPT Earth has a satellite...

Of the following statements about the iron hypothesis, which is/are true? Oceanographer John Martin proposed fertilizing the ocean with iron to increase its productivity. Adding iron to the ocean increased phytoplankton productivity up to 30 times. Phytoplankton were killed when iron was added to the ocean. Adding iron to the ocean might cause an ecological disaster in the ocean. Adding iron to the ocean removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps reduce global warming.

All EXCEPT Phytoplankton were killed when iron was added to the ocean.

Of the following statements about the greenhouse effect and global warming, which is/are true? The greenhouse effect began about 200 years ago as a result of human-related activities. Global warming will likely cause the oceans to boil away on Earth. Global warming will likely result in more rainfall. Global warming will likely result in a rise in sea level due to melting glaciers and thermal expansion of warm ocean waters. Global warming will likely result in more intense tropical storms. Global warming will likely result in more prolonged droughts.

All EXCEPT The greenhouse effect began about 200 years ago as a result of human-related activities.

Of the following, which ocean changes are predicted to result from global warming? increase in ocean stratification and the development of a stronger thermocline lower amounts of dissolved oxygen in seawater increased transmission distance of sound in the sea migration of marine organisms into deeper waters and toward the poles less acidic oceans

All EXCEPT less acidic oceans

Of the following, which are useful as proxy data for understanding past climate changes? sea floor sediments tree-growth rings annual layers of snow packed in glacial ice historical documents predictions of when the next large volcanic eruptions could occur fossil pollen

All EXCEPT predictions of when the next large volcanic eruptions could occur

Of the following natural factors, which have caused past climate changes on Earth? the amount of marine life in the oceans variations in Earth's orbit changes in solar energy the movement of Earth's tectonic plates volcanic eruptions

All EXCEPT the amount of marine life in the oceans

Hazards associated with sea level rise include all the following except : drowning of beaches. accelerated coastal erosion. increasing damage from storms. permanent inland flooding. All the above are correct.

All the above are correct.

What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of incoming shortwave radiation from the Sun decreased and was less than the longwave radiation lost to space? Atmospheric temperature would increase. Atmospheric temperature would decrease. Atmospheric temperature would remain the same.

Atmospheric temperature would decrease.

What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of shortwave radiation reflected at Earth's surface increased significantly? Atmospheric temperature would remain the same. Atmospheric temperature would decrease. Atmospheric temperature would increase.

Atmospheric temperature would decrease.

What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of outgoing longwave radiation decreased so that it was less than incoming shortwave radiation from the Sun? Atmospheric temperature would decrease. Atmospheric temperature would remain the same. Atmospheric temperature would increase.

Atmospheric temperature would increase.

What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of shortwave radiation reflected by clouds decreased significantly? Atmospheric temperature would decrease. Atmospheric temperature would remain the same. Atmospheric temperature would increase.

Atmospheric temperature would increase.

What would happen to Earth's atmospheric temperature if the amount of incoming shortwave radiation from the Sun was the same as the longwave radiation lost to space? Atmospheric temperature would increase. Atmospheric temperature would decrease. Atmospheric temperature would remain the same.

Atmospheric temperature would remain the same.

What is the primary cause of the nearly 20 percent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since the 1960s? Burning of fossil fuels Mining of coral reefs Global warming Rising sea levels Introduction of renewable energy technologies

Burning of fossil fuels

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with subsequent absorption by the oceans, have caused an increase in ocean pH. True False

False

Greenhouse gases are compounds in the Earth's atmosphere that dissipate heat. True False

False

Sea surface temperatures have remained unchanged during the past 50 years. True False

False

Worldwide retreat of mountain glaciers has not been documented to date. True False

False

An international agreement to voluntarily limit greenhouse gas emissions is called the: Coriolis Protocol. Kyoto Protocol. United Nations Environmental Programme. IPCC. Keating Conference.

Kyoto Protocol.

When are the Sun's rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the equator? Choose all that apply. March Equinox December Solstice June Solstice September Equinox

March Equinox September Equinox

Periodic variations in Earth's orbit that can cause natural climate changes are called _________. Milankovitch cycles geospatial periodicity Mohorovicíc cycles Bouma cycles Wilson cycles

Milankovitch cycles

How do the oceans contribute to maintaining a climate that is habitable for humans? The oceans have no effect on the atmosphere. Oceans release large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Oceans absorb large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Oceans currents drive surface winds, allowing for atmospheric heat exchanges. Oceans absorb water vapor from the atmosphere and release oxygen, making air breathable.

Oceans absorb large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

What impact will increased carbon dioxide absorption by the oceans have on coral reefs? Reefs will degrade over time, ultimately resulting in large-scale mortality. Reefs will expand into the sub-polar regions, ultimately changing global fishing patterns. Reefs should experience a dramatic increase in calcification, resulting in localized spikes in acidification. Reefs will experience substantial growth, particularly in the Caribbean. Reefs will likely not be impacted because they are not sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide.

Reefs will degrade over time, ultimately resulting in large-scale mortality.

When do all locations on Earth experience equal lengths of day and night? Choose all that apply. September Equinox March Equinox December Solstice June Solstice

September Equinox March Equinox

How does the inclination of Earth's axis change over the course of a year? The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shallower. The inclination of Earth's axis becomes steeper. The inclination of Earth's axis does not change. The inclination of Earth's axis becomes shorter. The inclination of Earth's axis becomes longer.

The inclination of Earth's axis does not change.

How will increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels affect oceans? There will be no measurable changes to the oceans. The oceans will become more alkaline. The oceans will become more acidic. The oceans will start to shrink. Commercial fishing will increase as fish populations increase.

The oceans will become more acidic.

What would happen to the oxygen atoms in ozone if the ozone layer were completely destroyed by ultraviolet radiation? The oxygen atoms would be bound together in pairs. The oxygen atoms would be bound together in triplets. The oxygen atoms would be isolated as single atoms. The oxygen atoms would be destroyed.

The oxygen atoms would be bound together in pairs.

Why are scientists doing research in an underwater lab in the Great Barrier Reef? To replicate future changes in sea level and measure the changes in the reefs To replicate future changes in oceanic pollution and measure the changes in the reefs To replicate future carbon dioxide levels and measure the changes in coral reef productivity, mortality and health To replicate the impact of overfishing on coral reefs To replicate future changes in oceanic temperature and measure the changes in the reefs

To replicate future carbon dioxide levels and measure the changes in coral reef productivity, mortality and health

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has the greatest relative contribution to increasing the greenhouse effect compared to other anthropogenically produced greenhouse gases. True False

True

Changes in Earth's orbit can impact climate by increasing or decreasing solar input. True False

True

Dissolved carbon dioxide and pH in the oceans are inversely related. True False

True

Earth's average surface temperature has increased 0.6°C over the past 30 years. True False

True

Studying carbon dioxide trapped in glacial ice can be used to determine Earth's ancient climate. True False

True

The Earth's climate system involves the exchange of heat and water among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere. True False

True

The fourth IPCC report on international climate change (2007) confirmed that human activity has produced climate change beginning in the mid-20th century. True False

True

How is ozone formed in the stratosphere? Ultraviolet radiation creates molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone. Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. These paired oxygen atoms bond with other paired oxygen molecules to form ozone. Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone. Ultraviolet radiation creates molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. These paired oxygen atoms bond with other paired oxygen molecules to form ozone.

Ultraviolet radiation breaks apart molecules made up of paired oxygen atoms. Individual oxygen atoms bond with paired oxygen molecules to form ozone.

How does ultraviolet radiation cause ozone depletion? Ultraviolet radiation creates CFC, a molecule containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks one oxygen atom away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule. Ultraviolet radiation breaks down CFC, a molecule containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks one oxygen atom away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule. Ultraviolet radiation creates CFC, a molecule containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks two oxygen atoms away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule. Ultraviolet radiation breaks down CFCs, a molecule containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks two oxygen atoms away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule.

Ultraviolet radiation breaks down CFC, a molecule containing chlorine. Chlorine then breaks one oxygen atom away from ozone, leaving behind a paired oxygen molecule.

What is ozone? a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms a molecule made up of two oxygen atoms a molecule made up of one oxygen atom a molecule made up of four oxygen atoms

a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms

How is energy transferred from Earth's surface to Earth's atmosphere? Choose all that apply. through convection through conduction through latent heat in water vapor through the greenhouse effect through absorption

all EXCEPT through absorption

The scientific consensus is that global warming has led to __________. a strengthening of deep-water formation in the North Atlantic an increased frequency of hurricanes an increase in oxygen-depleted dead zones a shallower thermocline and increased primary productivity

an increase in oxygen-depleted dead zones

Where does the length of day remain the same throughout the year? at the Tropic of Capricorn at the equator within 10 degrees of the North Pole within 10 degrees of the South Pole at the Tropic of Cancer

at the equator

Combustion of fossil fuels results in a transfer of carbon from the __________. biosphere to the atmosphere biosphere to the hydrosphere cryosphere to the hydrosphere cryosphere to the geosphere

biosphere to the atmosphere

The gas(es) that has/have the greatest relative contribution to increasing the greenhouse effect is/are: carbon dioxide (CO2). chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). nitrous oxide (N2O). methane (CH4). ozone (O3).

carbon dioxide (CO2).

What is precession in Earth's orbit? change in the orientation of Earth's axis the inclination of Earth's axis the shape of Earth's orbit

change in the orientation of Earth's axis

Which of the following could be a direct result of the cycles of eccentricity, obliquity, and precession on Earth? algal blooms weather change climate change DNA mutations

climate change

What example of global engineering aims to accelerate the ocean's natural biological pump? spraying sulfate aerosols into the atmosphere Increase the secretion of carbonate shells by increasing carbon dioxide levels in the water. Increase the amount of sunlight reflected back into the atmosphere. fertilization of ocean water with iron sequestering of carbon dioxide in the deep ocean

fertilization of ocean water with iron

Recent worldwide sea level rise can be attributed to all of the following except the: thermal expansion of deep-ocean waters. thermal expansion of surface ocean waters. melting of land-based glaciers and mountain ice caps. melting of Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. geological uplifting of ocean basins.

geological uplifting of ocean basins.

Climate models and observations to date indicate that the oceans will warm the most in _________. mid-latitude areas high-latitude areas all areas equally the deep ocean equatorial waters

high-latitude areas

Natural causes for global climate change include all the following except : tectonic plate movement. variation in the Earth's orbit. volcanic activity. changes in solar input. increase in elevation.

increase in elevation.

How much of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches Earth's surface? most of the ultraviolet radiation none of the ultraviolet radiation some of the ultraviolet radiation little of the ultraviolet radiation almost all of the ultraviolet radiation

little of the ultraviolet radiation

An increase in cloud cover and a corresponding decrease in absorption of solar radiation is an example of a: negative-feedback loop. neutral feedback loop. positive-feedback loop. All of the above are correct. None of the above is correct.

negative-feedback loop.

An increase in cloud cover due to higher moisture content in the atmosphere is an example of a: negative-feedback loop. positive-feedback loop. neutral feedback loop. All of the above are correct. None of the above is correct.

negative-feedback loop.

What is another name for the ozone layer? ozonosphere troposphere stratosphere ionosphere oxysphere

ozonosphere

Concerned individuals can reduce their personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by doing all the following except : purchasing recycled products. installing low-flow plumbing fixtures. using compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs. reducing the area covered by pavement or structures (houses, garages, pools, decks, etc.) in urban and suburban areas. planting trees and increasing green space areas.

reducing the area covered by pavement or structures (houses, garages, pools, decks, etc.) in urban and suburban areas.

Only some shortwave radiation from the Sun reaches Earth's surface. What is the leading cause of this radiation loss? reflection by clouds scattering by air absorption by greenhouse gases absorption by clouds absorption by ozone

reflection by clouds

Burning of fossil fuels is chemically similar to: respiration. metabolism. chemosynthesis. photosynthesis. autotrophic processes.

respiration.

The oceans' "biological pump" _________. takes carbon from the photic zone and stores it in deep ocean water and seafloor sediments brings oxygen from the deep ocean through upwelling to the photic zone, where it is taken up by animals. transports marine organisms worldwide by means of "conveyer belt" current circulation is the ocean's natural system for replenishing nutrients such as iron in the surface layer is an area of downwelling in the far north Atlantic where carbon dioxide is carried down to the deep current system

takes carbon from the photic zone and stores it in deep ocean water and seafloor sediments

The warming of Earth's surface and atmosphere is a natural process controlled by the greenhouse effect. It is also being altered by human emissions, a phenomenon that is often referred to as ___________. the enhanced greenhouse effect the ozone hole the albedo effect thermohaline circulation the anthropogenic greenhouse load

the anthropogenic greenhouse load the enhanced greenhouse effect

What is obliquity in Earth's orbit? change in the orientation of Earth's axis the inclination of Earth's axis the shape of Earth's orbit

the inclination of Earth's axis

What is eccentricity in Earth's orbit? change in the orientation of Earth's axis the inclination of Earth's axis the shape of Earth's orbit

the shape of Earth's orbit

What is the December solstice? The time of the year when the Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun. the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun

the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun

What is the June solstice? The time of the year when Earth's geographic North and South Poles are leaning in similar ways toward the Sun the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly away from the Sun the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun

the time of the year when Earth's geographic North Pole is leaning most directly toward the Sun

hat natural cause of climate change is most similar to the major anthropogenic source? volcanic eruptions variations in Earth's orbit movement of tectonic plates fossil fuel emissions changes in solar radiation

volcanic eruptions

Of the following atmospheric gases, only _________ is an important greenhouse gas. nitrogen (N2) water vapor (H2O) oxygen (O2) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) argon (Ar)

water vapor (H2O)