Climate Change

changes in solar energy

According to some scientists, which is a cause of global warming?

warm water

During El Niño, what do the unusual wind patterns move east?

Prevailing winds can cause heavy rains or a dry climate.

How do changes in wind currents affect the short-term climate in a region?

It cools the water to below its normal temperature.

How does La Niña affect the climate of the Pacific Ocean?

carbon dioxide

Which substance is a greenhouse gas that is emitted by human activities, is the most widespread, and remains in the air the longest?

1. Carbon dioxide levels in the Earth's atmosphere have been steadily increasing. 2. Carbon has a longer average lifetime in the atmosphere.

Why is it commonly believed that carbon dioxide is responsible for global warming? Select 2 options.

prevailing winds

What are global wind patterns called?

1. the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps 2. the flooding of low-lying coastal areas

What are the negative effects of rising ocean temperatures? Check all that apply.

warm water moving toward the coast of South America

What climate condition occurs during El Niño?

stronger prevailing winds and more hurricane activity

What climate conditions occur during La Niña?

1. Both occur in the Pacific Ocean. 2. Both are causes of short-term climate change.

What do El Niño and La Niña have in common? Check all that apply.

1. Ocean currents can carry warm water, which can raise the temperature of the air and land. 2. Ocean currents can carry cold water, which can cool the air and land.

What effects do ocean currents have on short-term climate change? Check all that apply.

They change the amount of precipitation in an area and affect a region's climate.

What effects do wind patterns have on climate?

natural factors and human activity

What major factors play a role in global warming?

increased illnesses that result in a decrease in population

What negative effect occurs when there is a decrease in air quality?

1. increase in illnesses 2. decrease in population due to health threats

Which are possible consequences of decreasing air quality resulting from global warming? Check all that apply.

burning of wood and coal

Which causes an increase in greenhouse gases?

a long-term increase in the Earth's average temperature

Which definition best describes global warming?

changes in wind and ocean currents

Which factors are causes of short-term climate change?

carbon dioxide

Which greenhouse gas has an average lifetime in the atmosphere of a few weeks to thousands of years and is the largest contributor to climate change?

fluorinated gas

Which greenhouse gas is produced by commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems?

rapid evaporation of water in the soil

Which is a possible result of higher air temperatures caused by global warming?

increase in strength of hurricanes

Which is a possible result of rising ocean temperatures caused by global warming?

1. carbon dioxide 2. methane 3. nitrous oxide

Which of these substances are greenhouse gases? Check all that apply.

It is a process by which greenhouse gases allow the sun's light to penetrate the atmosphere but stop the heat from escaping.

Which statement best describes the greenhouse effect?

Carbon dioxide has increased as a result of increased human activities.

Which statement explains why many scientists believe that carbon dioxide has likely contributed more to global warming than other greenhouse gases?