Earth's Climate History

How can sunspots affect Earth's climate? An increase in sunspots could cause an increase in Earth's temperature. The magnetic pull of sunspots could change the shape of Earth's orbit. A decrease in sunspots could cause an increase in Earth's temperature. Sunspots can contribute to the buildup of greenhouse gases.

An increase in sunspots could cause an increase in Earth's temperature.

If Earth was not tilted on its axis, what changes would you expect to see in the seasons? Summer would last much longer than winter. Winter would last much longer than summer. Temperatures in summer and winter would be more extreme. Temperatures in summer and winter would be very similar.

Temperatures in summer and winter would be very similar.

A scientist in Northern California is studying the tree rings of a very old redwood tree. He notices that the oldest tree rings are very narrow. As the rings move away from the center, he observes 15 rings that get wider and wider. What can you determine about the climate during the 15-year period during which the tree rings grew wider? The climate was warmer and wetter. The climate was warmer and drier. The climate was colder and drier. The climate was colder and wetter.

The climate was warmer and wetter.

Why are pollen grains useful when studying the climate history of a region? They may contain the remains of ancient organisms. They may have rings inside them that reflect variations in the local climate. They can be preserved within the fossils of organisms that carry them. They provide clues about the types of plants that grew in a region at a particular time.

They provide clues about the types of plants that grew in a region at a particular time.

How does volcanic activity affect climate? Gas and ash filter out solar radiation, causing the temperature to increasedecreasestay the same. Water vapor and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, causing the climate to get warmercooler drier.

decrease warmer

Which factors were affected by the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea? Check all that apply. the shape of Earth's orbit global wind patterns ocean currents the tilt of Earth's axis global climates

global wind patterns ocean currents global climates

Which sources do scientists use to study ancient climates? Check all that apply. Earth's orbit tree rings volcanoes pollen grains fossils

tree rings pollen grains fossils