ES 200 Final Exam Study Set
Global warming will cause more intense (category 4 or 5) hurricanes to occur. (True/False)
True
NC temperature may rise 2-3 C by 2100. (True/False)
True
Negative feedback loops generally promote stability in socio-ecological systems. (True/False)
True
Nitrous oxide gas can be produced through the process of denitrification. (True/False)
True
The greenhouse gas with the largest Global Warming Potential (GWP) is carbon dioxide. (True/False)
False
The regions that emit the most greenhouse gases are always the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. (True/False)
False
The social vulnerability index is particularly accurate at very fine scales (e.g. a single community or group of communities). (True/False)
False
The urban heat island effect completely explains global temperature rises. (True/False)
False
Coal is the fuel used that produces the most electricity in the U.S. (True/False)
False - close call at this time
About 90% of the water evaporated from the ocean returns to the ocean as rain without going over land. (True/False)
True
Areas of land that are most susceptible to flooding are called flood plains. (True/False)
True
As climate warms, ocean temperatures will rise slower than those on land. (True/False)
True
As of 2019, the United States was the only country actively attempting to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement (although under the Biden administration the US has reentered into the agreement). (True/False)
True
Organic matter that decomposes under anaerobic conditions releases methane. (True/False)
True
Rising temperatures and increased water temperatures will cause increased exposure to certain pathogens and toxins in seafood (like oysters). (True/False)
True
Sunspots are one type of climate forcing agent. (True/False)
True
The process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, these strategies seek to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. These strategies are referred to as: a) Adaptation b) Vulnerability c) Mitigation
a) Adaptation
Vulnerable communities living in high-hazard areas like coastal flood zones may not have access to full compensation by social safety nets like the National Flood Insurance Program or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) due to historical legacies of displacement and disadvantage. a. True b. False
a. True
The generally accepted concentration of C in plant biomass is: a) 35 %. b) 50 %, but it can vary from the high 30's to the low 50's. c) 65 %, but it can vary from the high 50's to low 70's. d) None of the above.
b) 50 %, but it can vary from the high 30's to the low 50's.
Originally promoted in disaster recovery work, the social and technical skills and strategies of individuals/groups directed towards responding to environmental or socioeconomic changes is referred to as: a) Exposure b) Adaptive capacity c) Vulnerability
b) Adaptive capacity
Coastal ecosystems occur along the world's continental margins, where: a) Approximately 10,000,000 people or 0.13 % of the human population live within 100 km of a shoreline b) Approximately 2.4 billion people or 33 % of the human population live. c) Approximately 240 million people or 3.3 % of the human population live. d) None of the above.
b) Approximately 2.4 billion people or 33 % of the human population live.
Evaluations of behaviors (either favorable or unfavorable) are referred to as a person's: a) Perceived behavioral control b) Attitudes c) Social norms
b) Attitudes
The biological pump can best be described as: a) CO2 being forced to great depths of the ocean water column by passage of high pressure weather systems. b) Carbon and nutrient fluxes to great depths of the ocean water column, and eventual burial in sea floor sediments c) CO2 flux from the ocean surface layer, called the euphotic zone, to the atmosphere due to the decomposition of fish, marine mammals, and other organisms increasing the water column CO2 concentration. d) A large diesel-powered machine used to pump ocean storm surge flooding back into the sea from coastal cities due to large storms and sea level rise.
b) Carbon and nutrient fluxes to great depths of the ocean water column, and eventual burial in sea floor sediments
All of the following are intensifying or exacerbating droughts except: a) Groundwater depletion b) Desalinization c) Rising temperatures
b) Desalinization
The goal of the IPCC is to: a) Use pseudo-scientific knowledge to fight the fossil fuel industry and support liberal, left-wing political Ideologies. b) Distill the cumulative scientific knowledge on climate change in support of public policy towards a sustainable future. c) Design specific solutions to climate problems, such as coastal flooding and drought in eastern North Carolina. d) Provide a platform for scientists to become rich and famous by forwarding alarmist climate change theories, when the science is actually quite unsettled.
b) Distill the cumulative scientific knowledge on climate change in support of public policy towards a sustainable future.
The benefits human populations derive, directly or indirectly from ecosystem functions are referred to as: a) Natural landscapes b) Ecosystem services c) Ecosystem products
b) Ecosystem services
An international study on climate change awareness across 119 countries found the following to be a top predictor of awareness: a) Income b) Education c) Gender
b) Education
Urban heat islands can negatively impact urban communities as temperatures increase from climate change. To cool urban heat islands, communities can do any of the following except: a) Plant gardens on rooftops b) Increase impervious surface c) Cover black asphalt with lighter, reflective grey coating
b) Increase impervious surface
Strategies that limit or prevent greenhouse gas emissions and/or enhance activities that remove these gases from the atmosphere are known as: a) Adaptation strategies b) Mitigation strategies c) Resilience strategies
b) Mitigation strategies
Oxygen isotopes are used to estimate temperatures of the past. The ratio of 18O to 16O (18O/16O) is measured as a proxy for temperature. During colder periods the ratio of 18O/16O in ocean water is larger than in warmer periods because: a) More 16O is eroded into the ocean from the land. b) More 16O in water is locked up in ice on land. c) Deep ocean currents bring cold water to the surface of the ocean, and these waters are enriched in 16O.
b) More 16O in water is locked up in ice on land.
The isotopes of oxygen differ in the number of _____________ in their nucleus. a) Electrons b) Neutrons c) Protons
b) Neutrons
Copper mining in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan: a) Was the second US mining boom after the Gold Rush in California in 1849 b) Provides an example for today's society of the lasting externalities of industrial economies on environmental quality/sustainability analogous to the issue of fossil fuels and climate change c) Is a hoax and never happened d) Made local indigenous peoples happy because it brought them great wealth and material security
b) Provides an example for today's society of the lasting externalities of industrial economies on environmental quality/sustainability analogous to the issue of fossil fuels and climate change
In terms of sea level rise along the North Carolina coast: a) Submerged dune ridge complexes along the continental shelf show that sea level was 410 feet below the current level during the last glacial maximum 18,000 years ago. b) The current rate of sea level rise is faster along the northern coastal zone compared to the southern, due to the additive effects of both eustatic sea level rise (expansion due to warming) and isostatic rebound of the northern tectonic plate. c) Both a and b.
c) Both a and b.
In 'Global Warming's Six Americas' segmentation, the categories included the (1) alarmed, (2) concerned, (3) cautious, (4) disengaged, (5) doubtful, and: a) Apathetic b) Confused c) Dismissive
c) Dismissive
Nutrient cycling falls into which category of ecosystem services? a) Regulating ecosystem services b) Cultural ecosystem services c) Supporting ecosystem services
c) Supporting ecosystem services
In terms of the world's coastlines, there are: a)a total of about 620 kilometers of coastline along which about 2, 400 people live. b) a total of 620,000 kilometers of coastline, which are very sparely populated due to the risk of property damage from storms. c) a total of 620,000 kilometers of coastline, within 100 km of which live nearly 2.4 billion people (or 1/3 of the total human population!).
c) a total of 620,000 kilometers of coastline, within 100 km of which live nearly 2.4 billion people (or 1/3 of the total human population!).
The Big Bang Theory states: a) that all matter in the universe instantaneously came into existence 5 million years ago, creating the elements necessary for Life on Earth. b) that all matter in the universe gradually came into existence as fully formed galaxies, stars and solar systems 3.7 billion years ago, and Life evolved on Earth shortly thereafter. c) that all matter in the universe instantaneously came into existence 13.8 billion years ago, primarily as hydrogen and helium.
c) that all matter in the universe instantaneously came into existence 13.8 billion years ago, primarily as hydrogen and helium.
El Nino events occur periodically when the winds blowing westward across the ocean have become weaker or changed direction. When these events occur the water off the west coast of South America becomes _______________. a) saltier b) colder c) warmer
c) warmer
Heat in the oceans is distributed from the equator to the poles, driving the climate system. This is accomplished by: a) Rapid surface currents such as the Gulf Steam. b) Very slow deep currents, such as the Thermo-Haline Circulation. c) Stochastic, periodic events such as El Nino and even hurricanes. d) All of the above.
d) All of the above.
In terms of forest response to climate change: a) Drought can kill forests directly if severe enough. b) Forests are dying all around the globe in response to drought stress. c) Drought often (usually...?) interacts with other stress factors such as insect pests, fire, etc., to damage or destroy forests. d) All of the above. e) None of the above.
d) All of the above.
The goods and services provided by coastal ecosystems: a) Depend on the structure and function of the ecosystem, and can be divided into use and non-use values. b) Can be influenced by human impacts on ecosystem structure and function. c) Have been given an economic value for only some goods and services, but not all. d) All of the above.
d) All of the above.
A climate forcing agent always increases earth's temperature. (True/False)
False
Cropland is the major way agricultural land is used globally today. (True/False)
False
Earth System Models (ESM) are the most complex of the climate models developed. (True/False)
True
Eastern NC has the climate type named "Humid Subtropical" (True/False)
True
Ensembles or groups of models are used to make predictions of future average global temperatures. (True/False)
True
Geographical and sociocultural contexts influence the severity of climate change impacts. (True/False)
True
A system that responds to a hazardous event in a way that maintains its essential basic function and structure is known as what type of system? a) Sensitive b) Vulnerable c) Resilient
c) Resilient
The ranking of world oceans by size, largest to smallest, is: a) Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, Antarctic, Indian b) Pacific, Hadean, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic c) Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, Antarctic d) Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Antarctic, Arctic
d) Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Antarctic, Arctic
Global warming potential (GWP) is a way to rank the radiation absorbing power of a greenhouse gas. Which of the following gases has the lowest GWP value? a) CO2 b) CH4 c) N2O
CO2
An individual's perceived risk is identical to their actual, objective level of risk. (True/False)
False
Boreal forest responses to climate change/global warming include expanding the southern distribution limit to lower latitudes, decreasing fire frequency, and lower NPP. (True/False)
False
Cropland occupies the most land area globally of any land use today. (True/False)
False
Extensive experimentation has shown that elevated atmospheric CO2 tends to decrease forest productivity, whereas high tropospheric O3 increases it. (True/False)
False
Global warming will likely cause More hurricanes to occur. (True/False)
False
Globally, wetlands occupy 45 % of the terrestrial land area, but only store 3 % of soil organic C. (True/False)
False
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb mostly visible light. (True/False)
False
Human society flourished during a period of great climate instability. (True/False)
False
In order to agree with observations of temperature, climate models must exclude the impacts of greenhouse gases. (True/False)
False
In terms of ecosystem equilibrium, managed ecosystems are more-or-less in equilibrium with the physical environment and associated ecosystems, and provide broad ecosystem services. (True/False)
False
Incoming radiation to the earth is larger than the radiation being returned to space. The excess energy is being stored mostly in the atmosphere. (True/False)
False
Natural gas is the fuel that releases the most CO2 into the atmosphere. (True/False)
False
Ocean surface waters, that is the first 100 m of depth, are uniformly mixed in terms of temperature, salinity, nutrient concentrations, and light availability. (True/False)
False
The "ice age" occurred during the Holocene epic. (True/False)
False
The Keeling curve shows the increase in N2O over time. (True/False)
False
The social vulnerability index is particularly accurate at very fine scales (e.g. a single neighborhood or community). (True/False)
False
The urban heat island effect has contributed to the largest rise in global temperature. (True/False)
False
Throughout the Phanerozoic, the last ~540 million years of Earth's geologic history, the distribution of the continents around the globe and the climate have remained very stable. (True/False)
False
Wein's Law states that warmer bodies give off radiation at longer wavelengths than cooler bodies. (True/False)
False
"Boreal refugia" refers to unique ecosystems typical of much higher latitudes and colder climates that have persisted since the last glacial maximum ~25,000 years ago due to specialized physiographic settings. The spruce-fir-sugar maple forests of the North Carolina Mountains, that very closely resemble forests in northern Michigan, are good examples and are highly threatened by continued climate warming. (True/False)
True
A major cause of sea level rise is the water is expanding on warming. (True/False)
True
A person's uptake, understanding, and interpretation of climate change information is influenced by their pre-existing worldviews. (True/False)
True
A representative concentration pathway (RCP) of 8.5 assumes higher concentrations of CO2 gases in the atmosphere by 2100 than and an RCP of 2.5. (True/False)
True
Although not officially recognized by international scientific societies responsible for naming conventions of Earth's geologic history, many scientists think we are living in a new geologic epoch called the "Anthropocene" because the cumulative impact of human activities on the planet rivals that of geologic forces. (True/False)
True
As the number of sun spots increases the amount of incoming radiation the Earth receives from the sun also increases. (True/False)
True
Beach re-nourishment will be used more in the future to offset the effects of sea-level rise. (True/False)
True
Climate feedback loops can increase or dampen the response to a forcing. (True/False)
True
Cultural beliefs and religion can influence an individual's risk perception. (True/False)
True
Ephemeral plant tissues are those that grow and are shed on short timescales (months to years), such as leaves and fine roots, creating inputs of carbon into soils important to the formation of soil organic carbon (SOC). (True/False)
True
Global warming will not necessarily cause more hurricanes to occur, but the hurricanes that do occur will more often be found in categories 4 and 5. (True/False)
True
Groundwater holds most of the fresh water that humans use. (True/False)
True
IPCC projections of responses of agricultural systems to the changing climate include yield declines, movement to higher latitudes, and accompanying socio-economic adjustments/stress. (True/False)
True
If an object has an albedo of 70%, then 70% of the incoming radiation is reflected. (True/False)
True
Increases in carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and halocarbon gases have caused global temperatures to rise by about 1 oC since 1750. (True/False)
True
Increases in maximum temperature will cause crop yields of corn and soybeans to decline. (True/False)
True
Increasing temperatures from climate change can lead to increased incidences of vector-borne diseases like malaria, Zika, and West Nile virus. (True/False)
True
Indirect evidence of climate change includes ecosystem change/transition, such as trees and shrubs moving into the Arctic tundra, pond pine forests dying along the coast of North Carolina, and major fisheries moving to higher latitudes. (True/False)
True
Negative feedback loops promote stability in socio-ecological systems. (True/False)
True
Radiative forcing agents that have negative values in Wm-2 would tend to lower temperatures on Earth. (True/False)
True
Reliable records of air temperature measurements go back about 200 years. To estimate temperatures older than 200 years we have to use proxies that allow us to estimate temperature from them. Examples of proxies include stomata in fossil leaves and tree rings. (True/False)
True
Shells that grew in cold water have higher 18O/16O than shells growing in warm water. (True/False)
True
Stromatolites are dome-shaped structures formed by microbial mats that exist in the fossil record as evidence of early photosynthetic Life on Earth, but they are also currently being formed in real-time in such places as western Australia. (True/False)
True
Studies have shown that climate change regulation (in the form of a tax) can place a disproportionate burden on low-income households. (True/False)
True
Sustainability of humans on earth is closely linked to resilient socio-ecological systems. (True/False)
True
Temperature anomalies are used because temperatures at individual stations in a region may not be representative of the temperatures in a whole region, but the changes over time at that station are likely to track the changes throughout the region. (True/False)
True
The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum was a period of extreme global warming (+15 oC relative to today) that occurred about 55 Ma due to rapidly rising atmospheric CO2/CH4 from vast coal swamps and volcanism of shifting tectonic plates. Often studied as an analog for today's period of rapid global warming. (True/False)
True
The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. (True/False)
True
The downward flux (amount) of infrared radiation from the atmosphere is about twice as high as incoming sunlight to the earth. (True/False)
True
The elemental symbol for calcium is Ca. (True/False)
True
The first US mining boom occurred in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (1840-1965) and holds lessons for today's society regarding environmental sustainability, human diversity and social justice, and environmental legacies left to future generations. (True/False)
True
The formula "CH4" is for the greenhouse gas methane. (True/False)
True
The letters IPCC stand for "Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change". (True/False)
True
The tropical climate and colonial history are two factors that contribute to the economic disparity between the tropics and temperate regions. (True/False)
True
Threats that are concrete, immediate, and indisputable are often the most salient. (True/False)
True
Throughout history, societies have adapted to climate variability, and extremes with varying degrees of success. (True/False)
True
Water vapor can be considered the strongest greenhouse gas because it absorbs more wavelengths of light than any other gas. (True/False)
True
Water vapor in the atmosphere absorbs more wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation than does carbon dioxide. (True/False)
True
When glaciers formed the CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere were low. (True/False)
True
The mountain pine beetle is an example of: a) A native insect species that is expanding its range to higher latitudes due to the warming climate, with potential to devastate forests across northern Canada that were previously protected by cold winters. b) An introduced invasive pest that is devastating forests in western North Carolina because it has no natural predators in North America. c) An introduced beetle that is actually turning out to be good for the environment because it eats the unwanted hemlock wooly adelgid that is devastating hemlock trees along the US East Coast. d) A species of pine beetle native to China that is ravaging forests across Europe.
a) A native insect species that is expanding its range to higher latitudes due to the warming climate, with potential to devastate forests across northern Canada that were previously protected by cold winters.
When improvements in energy efficiency encourage a change in behavior towards increased use, we refer to this as: a) A rebound effect b) Temporal discounting c) A maladaptation
a) A rebound effect
The definition of "biome" is: a) An area of Earth that can be classified by the major plants and animals that live in it and the dominant temperature and moisture regimes. b) Interaction of living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) things in the environment. c) Members of a certain species that share the same geographical location. Other members of same species located in a different location are not of the same biome.
a) An area of Earth that can be classified by the major plants and animals that live in it and the dominant temperature and moisture regimes.
Which of the following energy sources are cheaper to use than coal for producing electricity? a) Both of the sources listed are cheaper than coal b) Advanced natural gas systems c) On-shore wind turbines
a) Both of the sources listed are cheaper than coal
When a natural landscape provides spiritual benefits to an individual or group, this landscape is providing a: a) Cultural ecosystem service b) Regulating ecosystem service c) Supporting ecosystem service
a) Cultural ecosystem service
Presence of people, livelihoods, ecosystems, and assets in places that could be adversely impacted by climate-related events is referred to as: a) Exposure b) Risk c) Adaptive capacity
a) Exposure
The carbonate chemistry of seawater plays a role in ocean acidification, in that as atmospheric CO2 concentration rises: a) More CO2 diffuses into seawater, decreasing the pH (acidification), which decreases the concentration of carbonate ion (CO32-), which causes the dissolution of carbonate structures (such as shells and coral reefs) to maintain chemical equilibrium. b) Less CO2 diffuses into seawater increasing the pH (acidification), which means there is less of the basic building material (carbonate) from which corals, mollusks and other organisms have to build their structures (shell, reefs etc). c) The temperature of the air and sea increase, forcing the chemical equilibrium constant of carbonate in seawater higher, which causes dissolution of shells, reefs and other carbonate structures to maintain chemical equilibrium.
a) More CO2 diffuses into seawater, decreasing the pH (acidification), which decreases the concentration of carbonate ion (CO32-), which causes the dissolution of carbonate structures (such as shells and coral reefs) to maintain chemical equilibrium.
The Archean Eon of Earth's deep geologic past: a) Occurred 3.8 to 2.5 Ga and saw formation of early continents, abundant liquid water/oceans, and the rise of single-celled prokaryotic organisms that oxygenated the atmosphere through photosynthesis. b) Occurred 4.5 to 3.8 Ga and saw the "first atmosphere" composed mainly of H and He captured from the Solar Nebula and "second atmosphere" composed of CO, CO2, H2S, SO2 and NOx from volcanism. c) Occurred 2.5 Ga to 541 Ma, experienced oscillation of the global climate system between hot and cold extremes, and witnessed continued evolution of Life on Earth giving rise to the first plants and animals
a) Occurred 3.8 to 2.5 Ga and saw formation of early continents, abundant liquid water/oceans, and the rise of single-celled prokaryotic organisms that oxygenated the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
Energy balance models of the Earth have shown that the amount of incoming energy from the sun is slightly greater than the amount of energy re-emitted back into space. As a result the Earth is warming. Where is most of the excess energy being stored? a) Ocean b) Atmosphere c) Land
a) Ocean
What replaced the Kyoto Protocol as the key doctrine encouraging industrialized countries to limit their GHG emissions? a) Paris Climate Agreement b) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change c) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
a) Paris Climate Agreement
The 'Tragedy of the Commons' concept describes how: a) People acting in self-interest can lead to natural resource overexploitation b) Individuals can be excluded from a public good c) Both a and b
a) People acting in self-interest can lead to natural resource overexploitation
As Earth's temperature rises, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere increases. This causes more infrared radiation from the earth to be absorbed by the vapor, and this also causes the temperature to rise, leading to increasing amounts of water vapor in the atmosphere. This process is an example of: a) Positive feedback loop b) Negative feedback loop c) Seuss Effect
a) Positive feedback loop
Of the RCP scenarios shown below, which has the highest emissions associated with it? a) RCP 8.5 b) RCP 2.6 c) RCP 5.0
a) RCP 8.5
Of the following, which provides the best example of a mitigation strategy: a) Reducing the carbon intensity of electricity by incorporating renewable energy sources (like solar energy) b) Constructing a large seawall to protect a city's assets from sea level rise threats c) Capacity building in low-income communities to improve resilience
a) Reducing the carbon intensity of electricity by incorporating renewable energy sources (like solar energy)
Climate forcing agents are things that can cause Earth's temperature change. Some forcing agents cause the Earth to warm by absorbing radiation and re-emitting it. Other forcing agents cause Earth's temperature to cool. Which of the following cause Earth's temperature to cool when they are in the atmosphere? a) Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, volcanic particles ejected during eruptions b) Carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone c) Carbon monoxide (CO), halocarbons, and nitrous oxide
a) Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, volcanic particles ejected during eruptions
Development that meets our current needs without hindering the ability of future generations to meet their needs is referred to as: a) Sustainable development b) Green development c) Low impact development
a) Sustainable development
When calculating the 'social cost of carbon', a key uncertainty in the estimate comes from which of the following: a) The discount rates applied b) The emissions projections used c) The population projections used
a) The discount rates applied
Where in the atmosphere are most greenhouse gases found? a) Troposphere (approximately 0-6 miles) b) Stratosphere (6-30 miles) c) Mesosphere (30-55 miles)
a) Troposphere (approximately 0-6 miles)
Increases in maximum temperature will cause crop yields of corn and soybeans to: a) decline b) remain the same c) increase
a) decline
itrous oxide levels have been increasing in the atmosphere since 1980. This greenhouse gas is created in wetlands when nitrate is being converted to a gas by the process of: a) denitrification b) weathering c) nitrogen fixation
a) denitrification
The major source of carbon dioxide emissions from 1960 to today is: a) fossil fuels and cement b) ruminant animals and termites c) land use change
a) fossil fuels and cement
World carbon stocks are the places that hold carbon for some period but do release it so it can be recycled. The place where the most carbon is stored is the: a) intermediate and deep ocean b) atmosphere c) soils and permafrost
a) intermediate and deep ocean
The emission source that produces the least or smallest amount of carbon dioxide emissions of those shown below is: a) natural gas b) coal c) oil or petroleum
a) natural gas
The major way we in the U.S. use petroleum for our energy needs is: a) transportation b) residential heating c) industrial manufacturing
a) transportation
The Stefan-Boltzman Law says that: a) warmer bodies give off more radiation (more Wm-2) than colder bodies. b) the wavelength of the energy emitted from a body is proportional to its wavelength. c) shiny bodies reflect more light than dull bodies.
a) warmer bodies give off more radiation (more Wm-2) than colder bodies.
The Seuss Effect is used to explain why fossil fuels are the major source responsible for rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The Seuss Effect shows that the levels of _________ are decreasing due to dilution of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels which contain no ___________. [Same answer for both blanks] a) O3 b) 14C c) CH4
b) 14C
The generally accepted concentration of C in plant biomass is: a) 35 % b) 50 %, but it can vary from the high 30's to the low 50's c) 65 %, but it can vary from the high 50's to low 70's d) None of the above
b) 50 %, but it can vary from the high 30's to the low 50's
A natural resource that can be accessed and used by everyone (e.g. fish in the ocean) is referred to as: a) An exclusive resource b) A common-pool resource c) An inclusive resource
b) A common-pool resource
Which most accurately describes the K-T Extinction Event? a) A huge volcanic eruption occurred on the islands of Krakatoa and Tybee, causing all of their flora and fauna to go extinct 25,000 years ago. b) A massive meteorite (~15 km diameter) struck the Earth at the boundary between the Cretacous and Tertiary Periods (~65 Ma), causing a nuclear-winter type event that drastically changed the climate causing extinction of many dominant plants and animals. c) Modern humans circled the globe in ships during the period of European expansion and colonization (~1500-1850 AD), causing the flora and fauna (such as the dodo) to go extinct on remote Pacific islands.
b) A massive meteorite (~15 km diameter) struck the Earth at the boundary between the Cretacous and Tertiary Periods (~65 Ma), causing a nuclear-winter type event that drastically changed the climate causing extinction of many dominant plants and animals.
Methane concentrations in the atmosphere have risen by 15% since 1980. Methane is formed when bacteria "eat" or decompose organic matter under anaerobic conditions. In addition to organic carbon, bacteria need ___________ to form methane. a) N2O b) CO2 c) O2
b) CO2
The "biological pump" can best be described as: a) CO2 being forced to great depths of the ocean water column by passage of high pressure weather systems. b) Carbon and nutrient fluxes to great depths of the ocean water column, and eventual burial in sea floor sediments, due to "leakage" of marine food webs of the euphotic zone, based on photosynthesis by phytoplankton, consumption by zooplankton, and higher trophic levels. c) CO2 flux from the ocean surface layer, called the euphotic zone, to the atmosphere due to the decomposition of fish, marine mammals, and other organisms increasing the water column CO2 concentration. d) A large diesel-powered machine used to pump ocean storm surge flooding back into the sea from coastal cities due to large storms and sea level rise.
b) Carbon and nutrient fluxes to great depths of the ocean water column, and eventual burial in sea floor sediments, due to "leakage" of marine food webs of the euphotic zone, based on photosynthesis by phytoplankton, consumption by zooplankton, and higher trophic levels.
Pre-Cambrian time: a) Comprises the Archon Eon, representing ½ of Earth's entire geologic history. b) Comprises the Archean, Hadean and Proterozoic Eons, about 4 Gy in duration, representing 7/8 of Earth's geologic history. c) Comprises all time after the Cambrian Explosion, which is 1/5 of the total.
b) Comprises the Archean, Hadean and Proterozoic Eons, about 4 Gy in duration, representing 7/8 of Earth's geologic history.
The benefits human populations derive, directly or indirectly from ecosystem functions are referred to as: a) Natural Landscapes b) Ecosystem Services c) Ecosystem Products
b) Ecosystem Services
Protection of human communities from extreme sea level, storm surges, flooding, etc., is an important service provided by coastal ecosystems, which may also simultaneously act to mitigate climate change and increase resilience to future hazards. What are the mechanisms by which this protection is achieved? a) Evapotranspiration of flood waters, enhanced albedo, coastal hypoxia. b) Energy dissipation/wave attenuation, C uptake/burial, sediment accretion/stabilization, vegetative growth. c) Beach re-nourishment, construction of jetties and sea walls, building houses on the beach.
b) Energy dissipation/wave attenuation, C uptake/burial, sediment accretion/stabilization, vegetative growth.
The acronym FACE stands for: a) Forced-Air Chilling Experiment b) Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment c) Fixed-Assimilation of Carbon Energy d) Foliage Area Compensation Excitation
b) Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment
The phrase "Planet Earth Quo Vadis?" basically means: a) Earth is a small blue planet floating in an endless sea of dark nothingness. b) Humans are at a crossroads between choosing to use science and a sense of justice to engineer a sustainable, equitable future or to continue mining the environment unsustainably. c) We are all doomed to certain catastrophic failure of Earth's life sustaining processes by the year 2030.
b) Humans are at a crossroads between choosing to use science and a sense of justice to engineer a sustainable, equitable future or to continue mining the environment unsustainably.
The government responded to climate impacts on Isle de Jean Charles by: a) Constructing a seawall around the island to protect the community b) Initiating a climate relocation project to move the community on the island to higher ground c) Establishing a wind energy project on the island to increase energy efficiency
b) Initiating a climate relocation project to move the community on the island to higher ground
The ____________ shows the changes in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere over time. a) Milankovitch curve b) Keeling curve c) Wein curve
b) Keeling curve
How have climate models shown that human activities have caused global average temperature to rise? a) Model results only match observations when human impacts, such as greenhouse gas concentrations, are excluded. b) Model results only match observations when human impacts, such as greenhouse gas concentrations, are included. c) Model results have not matched observations under any scenario.
b) Model results only match observations when human impacts, such as greenhouse gas concentrations, are included.
A system that responds to a hazardous event in a way that maintains its essential basic function and structure is known as what type of system? a) Vulnerable b) Resilient c) Sensitive
b) Resilient
"Snowball Earth" refers to: a) The most recent glaciation that peaked 25 Ka, during the Pleistocene Period (2.6 Ma to 11.7 Ka), in which continental glaciers descended to latitudes as far south as 40 degrees N. b) Several episodes in Earth's deep geologic history where global cooling prevailed (2.3 Ga, 750 to 580 Ma), in which ice extended from the poles to equator and the mean annual temperature was -50 degrees C. c) A huge winter battle during the Napoleonic War in what is now the Czech Republic, in which Russian soldiers ran out of ammunition and actually defeated the French army with snowballs
b) Several episodes in Earth's deep geologic history where global cooling prevailed (2.3 Ga, 750 to 580 Ma), in which ice extended from the poles to equator and the mean annual temperature was -50 degrees C.
"Coastal squeeze" refers to the phenomenon whereby: a) Rapid development of coastal barrier islands causes formerly natural environments to become over-crowded stressful places to live, decreasing property values. b) Shoreline erosion and natural sand migration in response to sea-level rise causes seaward land loss of coastal barrier islands, narrowing them and threatening human settlements. c) Increasing glaciation at high latitudes of coastal Alaska is causing coastal communities of indigenous peoples to be squeezed between the sea and the advancing ice.
b) Shoreline erosion and natural sand migration in response to sea-level rise causes seaward land loss of coastal barrier islands, narrowing them and threatening human settlements.
What is meant by the term "biophysical feedbacks" to the climate system: a) Carbon sequestration through NPP removing CO2 from the atmosphere, thereby decreasing radiative forcing. b) The reflectivity (albedo), latent heat exchange (evapotranspiration), sensible heat flux, and atmospheric coupling (aerodynamically rough or smooth vegetation canopies) that control the surface energy budget. c) The expansion of bioenergy farming to produce fuels that displace CO2 emissions from fossil fuels.
b) The reflectivity (albedo), latent heat exchange (evapotranspiration), sensible heat flux, and atmospheric coupling (aerodynamically rough or smooth vegetation canopies) that control the surface energy budget.
Major world biomes in order of decreasing total global C storage in plant biomass are: a) Deserts, savannas/grasslands, tropical forests, temperate forests, boreal forests b) Tropical forests, temperate forests, grasslands/savannas, boreal forests, deserts c) Crops, arctic tundra, deserts, temperate grasslands, tropical forests
b) Tropical forests, temperate forests, grasslands/savannas, boreal forests, deserts
As of 2021, which country has just reentered the Paris Climate Agreement? a) China b) United States c) India
b) United States
Which of the following include major greenhouse gases? a) Oxygen, nitrogen, helium b) Water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide c) Ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite
b) Water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide
Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming because they: a) are aerosols or small particles that reflect infrared radiation. b) absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. c) absorb visible light and therefore heat up.
b) absorb and re-emit infrared radiation.
Radiative forcing is a measure for how a given 'forcing agent' (e.g., greenhouse gas) has contributed to global temperature rise from the year 1750 to today. Which of the following has the largest radiative forcing value? a) methane b) carbon dioxide c) nitrous oxide
b) carbon dioxide
Reducing the amount of food wasted can reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases. Americans waste most of their food: a) by using excessive amount of grain to feed cattle and hogs. b) in their homes and restaurants. c) in losses of food during storage.
b) in their homes and restaurants.
When moist air hits a mountain it rises, cools, and drops its moisture as rain on one side of the mountain. As the air moves over the mountain, the area it passes over will get less rain over time than the other side of the mountain. This phenomenon is called the: a) Stefan-Boltzmann Phenomenon b) rain shadow effect c) representative concentration precipitation
b) rain shadow effect
The three geologic eons spanning approximately the first 4 billion years of Earth's history are known as: a) the Harkstone, Archyopteryx, and Protoprimeric. b) the Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic. c) the Hercules, Andromeda, and Procyon.
b) the Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic.
Approximately 200 to 300 million years ago the Earth's average temperature was thought to be over 10 oC warmer than today's. Mass extinctions occurred. One theory for the warmer temperature is that the atmosphere held high concentrations of CO2 gas. The source for this gas was: a) variation in the Earth's orbit caused by the pull of Jupiter and Saturn. b) volcanic eruptions that spilled lava over a massive area over a 1 million-year period. c) dissolution of foraminifera shells in an acidic ocean. Feedback
b) volcanic eruptions that spilled lava over a massive area over a 1 million-year period.
Sea level is rising as global temperatures rise. The causes of sea level rise include the melting of ice sheets as well as glaciers. Another and potentially larger cause of sea level rise is: a) a decrease in salt content of the ocean water b) water expands on warming c) higher rainfall events and more flooding on land which increases sediment input into oceans.
b) water expands on warming
Throughout the Phanerozoic, the last ~540 million years of Earth's geologic history, the distribution of the continents around the globe and the climate have remained very stable. a. True b. False
b. False
The Earth's surface receives from the sun approximately 161 Wm-2 of radiation. It also receives an amount of radiation from the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The amount of radiation from the greenhouse gases that is emitted back to the earth's surface is approximately: a) 1360 Wm^-2 b) 60 Wm^-2 c) 342 Wm^-2
c) 342 Wm-2
By establishing a price on greenhouse gas emissions, companies can be charged a dollar amount for every ton of emissions they produce. This mechanism is referred to as: a) Cap-and-trade b) An adaptation strategy c) A carbon tax
c) A carbon tax
Which of the following is an example of ecosystem resilience? a) The range of important commercial marine species such as lobster and flounder moving to higher latitudes in response to warming ocean temperature. b) Conversion of pond pine forests along the coast of North Carolina to marsh in response to sea level rise. c) Ability of a freshwater lake to remain in a clear-water condition despite the addition of excess nutrients from agricultural runoff, at least until some threshold of water-column nutrient concentration is exceeded. d) None of the above e) All of the above
c) Ability of a freshwater lake to remain in a clear-water condition despite the addition of excess nutrients from agricultural runoff, at least until some threshold of water-column nutrient concentration is exceeded.
Increasing atmospheric and water temperatures resulting from climate change can: a) Increase exposure to pathogens and toxins in shellfish b) Decrease macro- and micro-nutrients in crops c) Both a and b
c) Both a and b
Metrics like the social vulnerability index help planners and emergency responders to: a) Identify disaster risk by identifying vulnerable populations b) Provide a baseline from which the success of interventions can be assessed c) Both a and b
c) Both a and b
The severity of Hurricane Harvey's impacts on Houston was influenced by: a) Aging infrastructure b) Extensive impervious surface c) Both a and b
c) Both a and b
Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) are emission scenarios that modelers use to estimate potential temperatures in the future. Which of the following are used in developing a given RCP scenario? a) N2, O2, and H2 b) CaCO3, H2CO3, CaSiO3 c) CO2, N2O, and CH4
c) CO2, N2O, and CH4
Forced relocation of people due to acute or long-term changes in local environment that negatively impact well-being and livelihoods is known as: a) Amenity migration b) Translocation c) Climate migration
c) Climate migration
Climate models have been developed to better understand Earth's climate system. There are three major groups of models. One group of models includes computations of the various biogeochemical cycles that include the carbon cycle, sulphur cycle, and ozone. This group is best for simulating past and future climates and represents the state of the art climate models. The name for this group of models is: a) Global climate models of comprehensive scale (GCCS) b) Atmosphere-ocean general circulation model (AOGCM) c) Earth System Models (ESM)
c) Earth System Models (ESM)
Of the following, the highest impact personal choice you can make to reduce your carbon footprint is: a) Replacing your car with a hybrid b) Recycling c) Eating a plant-based diet
c) Eating a plant-based diet
In terms of human consumption of fish from the oceans: a) Global demand increased from 5 million tons to 25 million tons during the 1950-2015 period, with almost all of it from wild fish stocks. b) Global demand has decreased from 45 million tons to 20 million tons during the last 10 years due to the rise of freshwater aquaculture farms. c) Global demand increased from 20 million tons to over 160 million tons, with almost half of that being supplied by aquaculture in recent years.
c) Global demand increased from 20 million tons to over 160 million tons, with almost half of that being supplied by aquaculture in recent years.
Urban heat islands can negatively impact urban communities as temperatures increase from climate change. To cool urban heat islands, communities can do any of the following except: a) Plant gardens on rooftops b) Cover black asphalt with lighter, reflective grey coating c) Increase impervious surface
c) Increase impervious surface
If a certain greenhouse gas has a radiative forcing value of 1 Wm-2, how much of a temperature change could be attributed to this? [Hint: use the climate sensitivity parameter.] a) Rise of 20 oC b) Rise of 5 oC c) Rise of 0.4 oC
c) Rise of 0.4 oC
The social, economic, and demographic characteristics that influence a community's ability to prepare for, respond, cope with, recover from, and ultimately adapt to environmental hazards is referred to as: a) Risk b) Exposure c) Social vulnerability
c) Social vulnerability
The definition of ecosystems is: a) The plants and animals that live in a specific geographic area of use to humans. b) Natural areas on Earth's surface never influenced by human activities. c) Specific assemblages of populations of organisms forming communities in a geographic area resulting from ecological processes operating over evolutionary time, interacting with the physical environment.
c) Specific assemblages of populations of organisms forming communities in a geographic area resulting from ecological processes operating over evolutionary time, interacting with the physical environment.
Called for by the United Nations Secretary General in 2000, this report documented the consequences of ecosystem change for human health and well-being: a) Sustainable Development Goals b) The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity c) The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
c) The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
The term "life cycle analysis" refers to: a) Chain-of-custody documentation tracing the complete life cycle of tropical timber, from harvest in the rainforest to international transactions to sale of the final product to ensure sustainable logging practices. b) The study of the life cycle of exotic invasive forest insect pests to determine the most vulnerable life stages at which control measures can be targeted. c) The accounting of all CO2 and GHG fluxes, and changes in C pools, associated with a given type of land use practice, such as short-rotation coppice culture of trees for bioenergy, to determine the net "climatic footprint" compared to traditional land uses and energy production systems (e.g. fossil fuels). d) None of the above
c) The accounting of all CO2 and GHG fluxes, and changes in C pools, associated with a given type of land use practice, such as short-rotation coppice culture of trees for bioenergy, to determine the net "climatic footprint" compared to traditional land uses and energy production systems (e.g. fossil fuels).
In the scientific method: a) Hypotheses to be tested are formulated after collecting the data. b) Publication is an optional part of the process, mainly to further the careers of the scientists, but is not actually necessary. c) The self-correcting nature of science usually means that mistakes or even deceptions do not last long. d) None of the above.
c) The self-correcting nature of science usually means that mistakes or even deceptions do not last long.
Cold upwelling is: a) Frigid air currents created by air masses flowing over Greenland's glaciers that increase the length and severity of winter weather extending the season of polar sea ice to the benefit of polar bears. b) Sinking of salty, cold, and dense seawater at high latitudes as part of the thermohaline circulation. c) The upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich deep ocean currents, often along the western coasts of continents that sustain extremely high biological productivity and support vibrant fisheries, such as anchovies off the coast of Peru.
c) The upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich deep ocean currents, often along the western coasts of continents that sustain extremely high biological productivity and support vibrant fisheries, such as anchovies off the coast of Peru.
Evapotranspiration is: a) The water that passes through the stomata on the underside of plant leaves during the process of photosynthesis. b) The water that evaporates from the surface of large bodies of water, including lakes, estuaries, and the oceans influencing precipitation patterns. c) The water evaporated from a unit area of land that includes the water transpired by plants and evaporation from the soil surface combined.
c) The water evaporated from a unit area of land that includes the water transpired by plants and evaporation from the soil surface combined.
In the global methane budget: a) Total global emissions are 558 Pg, and wetlands account for 10 Pg of this b) Total global emissions are 60 Pg, and wetlands account for 50 Pg. c) Total global emissions are 558 Tg, and wetlands account for 167 Tg. d) Total global emissions are 35 Tg, and wetlands account for 20 Tg.
c) Total global emissions are 558 Tg, and wetlands account for 167 Tg.
Methane is a strong greenhouse gas, but its lifespan in the atmosphere is about 10 years. It doesn't last, because it is oxidized to: a) halocarbons and oxygen b) ozone and nitrous oxide c) carbon dioxide and water vapor
c) carbon dioxide and water vapor
The average temperature and average precipitation over a 30-year period are used to define a region's: a) climate sensitivity parameter b) weather c) climate
c) climate
The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere fluctuates annually. It is highest in the Spring but declines over the summer in the northern hemisphere. This decline is caused by: a) warm ocean water absorbing carbon dioxide in the air. b) foraminifera in the shallow ocean waters forming shells during the summer that contain C. c) deciduous tree leaves taking in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis
c) deciduous tree leaves taking in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis
The Big Bang Theory states: a) that all matter in the universe instantaneously came into existence, in its present form, 5 million years ago, creating the elements necessary for Life on Earth. b) that all matter in the universe gradually came into existence as fully formed galaxies, stars and solar systems 3.7 billion years ago, and Life evolved on Earth shortly thereafter c) that all matter in the universe instantaneously came into existence 13.8 billion years ago, primarily as hydrogen and helium.
c) that all matter in the universe instantaneously came into existence 13.8 billion years ago, primarily as hydrogen and helium.
The sun emits radiation in the visible range while the Earth emits radiation in the infrared range. This is because: a) the sun is made of gas which causes the sun to emit its radiation in the visible range. b) the dark surface of the earth absorbs all visible light so it can't irradiate anything we can see. c) the sun is hotter than the Earth.
c) the sun is hotter than the Earth.
The largest single source of methane is (are): a) fossil fuel burning b) ruminant animals (e.g., cows) c) wetlands
c) wetlands
In the scientific method: a. Hypotheses to be tested are formulated after collecting the data.b. Publication is an optional part of the process, mainly to further the careers of the scientists, but is not actually necessary. c. The self-correcting nature of science usually means that mistakes or even deceptions do not last long. d. None of the above.
c. The self-correcting nature of science usually means that mistakes or even deceptions do not last long.
Heat in the oceans is distributed from the equator to the poles, driving the climate system. This is accomplished by: a) Short-term surface currents such as the Gulf Steam. b) Long-term deep currents, such as the Thermo-Haline Circulation. c) Stochastic, periodic events such as El Nino and even hurricanes. d) All of the above e) None of the above
d) All of the above
Major world biomes include: a) Oceans, freshwater bodies, and coastal ecosystems b) Polar tundra and cryosphere c)Deserts, steppes, and Mediterranean ecosystems d) All of the above
d) All of the above
The goods and services provided by coastal ecosystems: a) Depend on the structure and function of the ecosystem, and can be divided into use and non-use values. b) Can be influenced by human impacts on ecosystem structure and function. c) Have been given an economic value for only some goods and services, but not all. d) All of the above e) None of the above
d) All of the above
Humans are economic creatures by nature. This is evidenced by such things as: a) "Cahokia", largest urban center of Mississippian culture, declined after 1250 AD due to natural resources depletion. b) Current world gross domestic product, which has increased from about 1 to 80 trillion US dollars from about 1960 to 2017. c) Neither a nor b d) Both a and b
d) Both a and b
Holdridge Life Zones are determined by a system of bio-climatic land classification based on: a) Latitude, longitude and elevation b) Geology, soils, and landform effects c) Altitude, growing season length, and major ecosystems present d) Temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration
d) Temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration
Savannas and grasslands: a) Cover about 30 % of the global land area b) Are often mixtures of co-existing trees and grasses, with trees increasing due to recent land use change c) May experience decreases in NPP in the tropics and increases in the temperate zone in response to warming d) a, b and c e) None of the above
d) a, b and c
Albedo is an important control over Earth's surface energy budget by reflecting incoming solar energy back to the atmosphere. a) Dark forests have relatively low albedo b) Grasslands also have very low albedo c) Ice and snow covered surface have very high albedo d) a, b and c e) a and c
e) a and c
The term "Global Change" refers to the fact that: a) Climate change is just one of many ways that modern society is affecting the environment, possibly decreasing Earth's capacity to continue providing important ecosystem services. b) Is the process whereby humanity sends probes to distant planets to find a new place to live. c) There is a huge patch of plastic garbage floating in the Pacific Ocean. d) a, b, and c e) a and c
e) a and c
Which statement(s) best characterize(s) the global C cycle? a) A pool of C is a standing stock of C, while a flux is movement of C between pools. b) The atmosphere has the largest pool of non-geologic C, at 37,100 Pg . c) In terrestrial ecosystems, the largest pool of C is in soil (1500-2400 Pg) compared to vegetation (450-650 Pg). d) a and b e) a and c
e) a and c
Banded-iron formations are: a) Green rocks formed during the Archean Eon found at a single location in North Carolina where iron was mined in the 1800's, founding the town of Rocky Mount. b) Rocks with alternating red and grey bands of oxidized and reduced forms of iron that formed 3.2 to 2.3 Ga, providing evidence for early evolution of aerobic photosynthesis, from which oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere as a waste product. c) Are found around the world, including northern Michigan, supporting the development of iron mining economies. d) a and b e) b and c
e) b and c
North Carolina is unique in that the northern and southern zones of the coastal plain experience different rates of sea level rise (SLR). Which of the following best describes the situation? a) The southern coastal zone has the highest rate of SLR in the state. b) North Carolina experiences some of the highest rates of sea level rise globally. c) The Northern coastal zone experiences both eustatic sea level rise, that is expansion due to warming, plus isostatic rebound of the tectonic plate due to retreat of Pleistocene glaciation. d) a and b e) b and c
e) b and c
Tundra ecosystem responses to climate change include: a) Warming much more than the global average over the past 100 years b) Permafrost melting and increase in the soil active zone c) Encroachment of woody shrubs and increased NPP d) Positive biophysical feedbacks accelerating the rate of climate change e) Sea ice retreat, stressing marine ecosystems f) None of the above g) a through e
g) a through e
The biome with by far the highest amount of C in the plant biomass is tropical forests. a. True b. False
a. True
The definition of "biome" is: a) An area of Earth that can be classified by the major plants and animals that live in it and the dominant temperature and moisture regimes. b) Interaction of living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) things in the environment. c) Members of a certain species that share the same geographical location. Other members of same species located in a different location are not of the same population.
a) An area of Earth that can be classified by the major plants and animals that live in it and the dominant temperature and moisture regimes.
All of the following are examples of reactive adaptation except: a) Early warning systems. b) Beach renourishment. c) Changes in insurance premiums.
a) Early warning systems.
The Aspen FACE Project was an experiment to examine the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and rising tropospheric O3 on northern forest ecosystems. The acronym "FACE" stands for: a) Free-Air Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Enrichment b) Forced-Air Concentration Exchange c) Forced-Air Carbon Experiment d) Free-Air Concentrating Experiment
a) Free-Air Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Enrichment
Which of the following is an example of green infrastructure? a) Rain garden. b) Impervious surface. c) Stormwater pipe.
a) Rain garden.
Of the following, which provides the best example of a mitigation strategy: a) Reducing the carbon intensity of electricity by incorporating renewable energy sources (like solar energy). b) Constructing a large seawall to protect a city's assets from sea level rise threats. c) Capacity building in low-income communities to improve resilience.
a) Reducing the carbon intensity of electricity by incorporating renewable energy sources (like solar energy).
Temperature anomalies are used to summarize temperature data from around the world. Anomalies are calculated for individual weather stations on a given day by subtracting the temperature on that day from: a) a baseline of average temperature determined over a number of years from the same station. b) the average global temperature on that day. c) a set of data where the extreme values have been eliminated because they differ too much from the average value.
a) a baseline of average temperature determined over a number of years from the same station.
When the Earth's temperature was 10 oC warmer than today's temperature, CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere were probably over twice the levels they are today. These large quantities of CO2 were slowly removed from the atmosphere, cooling the earth, by: a) rock weathering reactions which took the CO2 out of the atmosphere and stored it in limestone bedrock containing CaCO3. b) El Nino events which cooled large portions of ocean water off the western coast of South America. c) the growth of the glaciers that covered most of Canada and Russia.
a) rock weathering reactions which took the CO2 out of the atmosphere and stored it in limestone bedrock containing CaCO3.
"Risk", as defined by the IPCC, is the intersection of a climate hazard (such as flooding), vulnerability (such as low-lying coastal counties in eastern NC), and exposure (the increasing intensity/frequency of tropical storm systems due to the warming climate). a. True b. False
a. True
Examples that suggest global climate change is affecting ocean ecosystems and the economies that depend on them is the northward movement of important fisheries along the US Atlantic coast, such as summer flounder and Maine lobsters. a. True b. False
a. True
Leslie Holdridge was an American scientist who was among the first to develop a system of bio- climatic land area classification based on temperature, precipitation and evapotranspiration to explain the distribution of ecosystems around the world. a. True b. False
a. True
The Earth is a giant heat engine, where the global heating imbalance drives atmospheric and oceanic circulation. High latitudes receive less radiation (incoming energy) than the tropics because: a) The polar regions are cloudy and cold air transmits light less efficiently than warm air. b) The Sun's light passes through a longer path through the atmosphere and is spread out over a larger surface area at high latitudes due to curvature of the Earth. c) Greater net primary production (plant growth) at the tropics absorbs more of the Sun's energy compared to high latitudes, making it unavailable to heat the atmosphere and oceans.
b) The Sun's light passes through a longer path through the atmosphere and is spread out over a larger surface area at high latitudes due to curvature of the Earth.
Modern humans (HOMO SAPIENS): a) evolved from ancestral lineages about 200,000 years ago during the Pleistocene experiencing episodes of glaciation, but all of our modern agricultural and industrial society has only developed during the climatically favorable inter-glacial epoch known as the Holocene ( last 10,000 y or so). b) with their agriculture and industrial society are having cumulative impacts on the global climate system that rival geologic forces, leading some scientists to suggest we live in a new epoch called "The Anthropocene". c) Neither a nor b d) Both a and b
d) Both a and b
The composition and productivity of ecosystems are: a) affected by abiotic (climate, disturbance, topography, soils, storms, etc.) and biotic (number and identity of species, trophic dynamics, pests and pathogens, etc.) factors b) difficult to predict to due inter-annual variation in interacting abiotic and biotic factors c) Neither a nor b d) Both a and b
d) Both a and b
Humans are economic creatures by nature. This is evidenced by such things as: a) "Cahokia", largest urban center of Mississippian culture, declined after 1250 AD due to natural resources depletion. b) Current world gross domestic product, which has increased from about 1 to 70 trillion US dollars from about 1960 to 2017. c) Neither a nor b. d) Both a and b.
d) Both a and b.
In terms of the global C cycle: a) In terrestrial ecosystems, the vegetation contains 2 to 3 times as much C as the soil. b) The atmosphere contains much more C than the oceans. c) Proven reserves of fossil fuels are only enough to sustain current rates of consumption (~8-10 Pg C per year) for another 50 years. d) The oceans are by far the largest pool (standing stock) of C in the system.
d) The oceans are by far the largest pool (standing stock) of C in the system.
Which of the following attributes of ecosystems is correct? Pick the best answer that applies. a) Specific assemblages of populations of organisms forming communities in a geographic area resulting from ecological processes operating over evolutionary time, interacting with the physical environment b) Natural ecosystems are more-or-less in equilibrium with the physical environment and associated ecosystems, and provide broad ecosystem services c) Managed ecosystems are deliberately manipulated by people to provide specific ecosystems services, and are usually of lower complexity and not in equilibrium with the physical environment/associated ecosystems d) None of the above d) a, b, and c
d) a, b, and c