Intro to Weather and Climate
Changes in Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun (eccentricity) varies over a ________ year cycle. 100,000 12.000 175,000 41,000 26,000
100,000
The residence time of methane (CH4) in the atmosphere is 500 years. 50 to 200 years. approximately 90 days. 12 years. 45 days.
12 years.
The last interglacial period with temperatures similar to the present interglacial period was the 125,000 years ago (Eemian interglacial). 385,00 years ago (Holstein interglacial). 781,000 years ago (Pastonian Stage). 500,000 years ago (Günz-Mindel interglacial). 12,000 years ago (Flandrian interglacial).
125,000 years ago (Eemian interglacial).
The last glacial maximum (LGM) occurred approximately ________ years ago. 10,000 110,000 20,000 150,000 50,000
20,000
Since 1880, the years with the highest land surface temperature were 1900, 1940, and 1962. 1985 and 1992. 1990 and 2000. 2010, 2014, and 2015. 1910, 1940, and 1950.
2010, 2014, and 2015.
Obliquity, i.e. variations in the Earth's axial tilt, range from ________ to ________ over a 41,000-year cycle. 10.5° to 24.5° 21.5° to 24.5° 20.5° to 23.5° 23.5° to 27.5° 11.5° to 15.5°
21.5° to 24.5°
According to readings from the Mauna Loa Observatory, CO2 concentrations currently exceed ________. 300-ppm 400-ppm 100-ppm 200-ppm 500-ppm
400-ppm
In the case of radiocarbon dating of organic material, the half-life of 14C is 5,730 years. 113,257 years. 1,255 years. 75,000 years. 15,397 years.
5,730 years.
The residence time of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is approximately 90 days. 12 years. 50 to 200 years. 45 days. 500 years.
50 to 200 years.
Radiocarbon dating of organic material may provide a climate record for up to ________ years before present. 50,000 75,000 150,000 25,000 10,000
50,000
Ocean sediment cores provide a climate record for the past ________ years. 10 million 50,000 800,000 2 million 70 million
70 million
Ice cores provide a climate record for the past ________ years. 70 million 800,000 2 million 50,000 10 million
800,000
Which of the following accurately describes 18O/16O ratios of ice sheets? During warmer periods, 16O evaporates more readily and, therefore, the 18O/16O ratio is significantly lower than cooler periods. A higher ratio of oceanic 18O to 16O indicates a warmer period during which more 18O evaporates and precipitates onto ice sheets. During cooler periods, 18O evaporates more readily and, therefore, the amount of 16O in glaciers is negligible. The higher the ratio of oceanic 18O to 16O, the cooler the temperature is because 18O will be locked up in ice sheets. During periods of colder temperatures, the 18O/16O ratio is higher because only the 18O isotope is being evaporated.
A higher ratio of oceanic 18O to 16O indicates a warmer period during which more 18O evaporates and precipitates onto ice sheets.
Which of the following is true of 16O and 18O? Both the 16O and 18O isotopes occur in water molecules. Only the 16O isotope occurs in water molecules. Neither the 16O nor 18O isotopes occur in water molecules. Only the 18O isotope occurs in water molecules. The 16O and 18O isotopes are so radically different they are not used in paleoclimate reconstructions.
Both the 16O and 18O isotopes occur in water molecules.
Which of the following is not true of the subarctic climate regions of Canada and Asia? Broadleaf deciduous trees, such as maple and sweetgum, dominate the area. Permafrost occurs here. This climate zone constitutes the maximum poleward extent of forests. This climatic zone experiences exceptionally large annual temperature ranges. Precipitation is low, but so is potential evapotranspiration.
Broadleaf deciduous trees, such as maple and sweetgum, dominate the area.
As of 2014, which country led the world in CO2 emissions? the United States China France Germany Canada
China
Which of the following best describes the difference between weather and climate? Weather refers specifically to the temperature of a given place at a given time, whereas climate refers to temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind conditions of a given place at a given time. Climate refers specifically to the temperature of a given place at a given time, whereas weather refers to temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind conditions of a given place at a given time. Climate is the collective pattern of atmospheric conditions in a given region over long periods of time, whereas weather is the atmospheric conditions at a given time and place. Weather is the collective pattern of atmospheric conditions in a given region over long periods of time, whereas climate is the atmospheric conditions at a given time and place. Weather and climate are essentially the same thing.
Climate is the collective pattern of atmospheric conditions in a given region over long periods of time, whereas weather is the atmospheric conditions at a given time and place.
________ climates occupy the most extensive area of land on Earth. Mesothermal Polar Dry Tropical Microthermal
Dry
In which of the following ways is the study of tree rings, speleothems, and corals for understanding past climatic conditions similar? The chronology each can provide only dates back to a maximum of 1,000 years and are, therefore, only useful for relatively recent climatic trends. Both are examples of macrofossils and can be used to determine plant and animal assemblages of bygone times. Each are composed of organic materials and are therefore used solely for radiocarbon dating. Each have growth bands, yielding evidence of the conditions under which they formed and grew. The fossilized form of each is used for understanding past climatic conditions.
Each have growth bands, yielding evidence of the conditions under which they formed and grew.
Which of the following is true of microthermal climates? All of the subtypes of this climate have a uniform annual precipitation regime. Because of the latitude at which they occur, these climates occupy the largest land area of any climate. Diurnal differences are limited throughout the year. They have a small seasonal temperature range, hence the term microthermal. In the Southern Hemisphere, these climates develop only in highland regions.
In the Southern Hemisphere, these climates develop only in highland regions.
Which organization released the Fifth Assessment Report on climate change? JOIDES Resolution Mauna Loa Observatory Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Scripps Institute of Oceanography U.S. Global Change Research Program
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The ________ is a graph which plots monthly averages of CO2 concentrations since 1958. MCA Keeling Curve Younger Dryas PETM Maunder minimum
Keeling Curve
How do scientists use lake sediments to study past climates? Lake sediments contain organic materials that can be identified and radiocarbon dated, giving insight into past plant communities and climatic conditions. Lake sediment analysis is used to determine which fish species have persisted in a particular lake over long periods of time. Isotopic analysis of the relative proportions of 18O to 16O enable determination of evaporation rates from ancient lakes. The amount and type of pollen in lake sediments is an indication of the macrovertebrate assemblages that dominated an area. During warmer conditions, lake sediments form wider rings, whereas in cooler conditions, these rings are narrower.
Lake sediments contain organic materials that can be identified and radiocarbon dated, giving insight into past plant communities and climatic conditions.
________ is a mesothermal climate with a long, hot, dry summer. Tropical savanna Semiarid steppe Humid continental hot-summer Humid subtropical hot-summer Mediterranean
Mediterranean
More than half of the world's population resides within the Desert climates. Mesothermal climates. Tropical climates. Microthermal climates. Highland climates.
Mesothermal climates.
What natural mechanism is accepted as the cause for patterns of long-term climatic fluctuations over tens of thousands of years? View Available Hint(s) Milankovitch cycles radioactive decay atmospheric gases and aerosols continental position solar variability
Milankovitch cycles
Why is the thawing of permafrost in the Arctic of special concern? Most permafrost is in the Southern Hemisphere where the thawing is contributing to a decline in global biodiversity. Thawing permafrost will lead to increased solifluction. Permafrost thawing releases massive amounts of methane into the atmosphere, which could further amplify warming. Wet peatland forests will be further drained and logged as the conditions are conducive for such activity. As permafrost thaws, it will contribute to global sea level rise.
Permafrost thawing releases massive amounts of methane into the atmosphere, which could further amplify warming.
Which of the following is incorrect? Human activities have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The rise of global temperatures causes global climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are growing more quickly today than is seen throughout most of the long-term climate record. Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) causes warming temperatures. Scientists can say with 100% certainty that current climate change can be solely attributed to anthropogenic causes.
Scientists can say with 100% certainty that current climate change can be solely attributed to anthropogenic causes.
Which of the following is correct regarding Arctic sea ice? Since 1979, summer sea ice minimum extent and winter sea ice maximum extent have declined. In the summer, most to all sea ice melts, only to refreeze in the winter. However, less water has been refreezing over the past decade. Summer sea ice reached its minimum extent in 2001 and has gradually increased since then. Because of high latitudes, sea ice remains throughout the year. However, for the past 30 years, the extent of sea ice has diminished. Until recently, seasonal variations in sea ice extent were rare.
Since 1979, summer sea ice minimum extent and winter sea ice maximum extent have declined.
Which of the following is true regarding humid continental hot-summer and humid continental mild-summer climates? Snowfall is notably heavier in humid continental mild-summer climates than in humid continental hot-summer climates and plays an important role in soil moisture recharge. The humid continental hot-summer and mild-summer climates are influenced by a single air mass year-round. Humid continental mild-summer climates are located further equatorward than humid continental hot-summer climates. Agriculture is not feasible in humid continental mild-summer climates due to the cooler weather, whereas it is very important in humid continental hot-summer climates. Overall, humid continental mild-summer climates receive more precipitation than humid continental hot-summer.
Snowfall is notably heavier in humid continental mild-summer climates than in humid continental hot-summer climates and plays an important role in soil moisture recharge.
Which of the following is false regarding the Mediterranean classification? The bulk of precipitation occurs in the summer months. Summers are influenced by shifting subtropical high cells. Summers are hot. Seventy percent of the precipitation occurs in the winter months. Cool offshore ocean currents produce stability in the overlying air masses.
The bulk of precipitation occurs in the summer months.
Regarding average annual precipitation, which of the following is correct? The precipitation tends to increase with latitude toward the poles. The drier regions are associated with the eastern portions of major landmasses. The highest amounts occur throughout subtropical latitudes. Precipitation values tend to be greatest in central Australia. The highest average values occur along the equator.
The highest average values occur along the equator.
How have scientists used isotopic analysis to determine the rise of atmospheric CO2 is mostly from the burning of fossil fuels? The low proportions of 13C and 14C within atmospheric CO2 indicates the source is fossil carbon. The relative low amount of 12C in atmospheric carbon demonstrates that the carbon dates from about the 1800s or later. Since 14C is an unstable isotope, scientists have dated the atmospheric carbon to the period since the Industrial Revolution. Both coal and oil contain a high proportion of 14C. By analyzing, 14C /12C ratios, scientists have been able to determine the source based on this fact. 14C concentrations are much higher in urban areas than in rural areas, indicating fossil fuels must have a higher 14C /12C ratio than carbon from other sources.
The low proportions of 13C and 14C within atmospheric CO2 indicates the source is fossil carbon.
Which of the following is incorrect regarding ice-sheet climates? The only month with an average temperature above freezing corresponds to the summer solstice (June in the Northern Hemisphere, December in the Southern Hemisphere). The area of the North Pole is a sea covered by ice rather than an ice sheet. There is very little precipitation. The climate is dominated by dry, frigid air masses. There are vast expanses that never warm above freezing.
The only month with an average temperature above freezing corresponds to the summer solstice (June in the Northern Hemisphere, December in the Southern Hemisphere).
Which of the following characterizes a tropical savanna climate? The sun's direct rays are overhead (subsolar point) are overhead twice each year. It is dominated by the ITCZ for nearly 12 months a year. It experiences a summer wet season, and is dominated by the ITCZ for nearly 12 months of the year. Its annual temperature variability is less than that of the tropical rain forest. All months receive precipitation in excess of 6 cm (2.4 in.).
The sun's direct rays are overhead (subsolar point) are overhead twice each year.
Which of the following accurately describes the use of tree rings for studying past climates (dendroclimatology)? The width of annual tree rings indicates the climatic conditions; wider rings suggest favorable conditions, whereas narrower rings suggest harsher conditions. The age of trees can be determined by tree ring analysis. By establishing the age of long-lived trees, one can determine the climate conditions of the area the year the tree sprouted. Dendrochronology is primarily used in the tropical regions, where one can easily correlate a tree species' age with the climatic conditions there. Because most trees only live 60 to 100 years, dendrochronology can only serve as a climate record for recent history and are primarily used to supplement instrument data. Tree ring analysis is best suited for short-lived species because it enables scientists to quickly and easily correlate tree ring growth to documented climatic conditions.
The width of annual tree rings indicates the climatic conditions; wider rings suggest favorable conditions, whereas narrower rings suggest harsher conditions.
Which is true of humid subtropical winter-dry climates? It is sparsely populated. The winter dry season is related to the seasonal pulse of the monsoons. Though rain falls in every season, spring receives 5 times more rainfall than autumn. They extend poleward from adjacent tropical rain forest climates. They have cold ocean currents offshore.
The winter dry season is related to the seasonal pulse of the monsoons.
Which of the following lists the correct, generalized sequence of climates from the equator to the poles? Dry → Tropical → Mesothermal → Microthermal → Polar Tropical → Dry → Mesothermal → Microthermal → Highland Polar → Microthermal → Dry → Mesothermal → Tropical Tropical → Dry → Mesothermal → Microthermal → Polar Tropical → Mesothermal → Dry → Microthermal → Polar
Tropical → Dry → Mesothermal → Microthermal → Polar
The Younger Dryas refers to a brief return to near-glacial conditions during the transition period from the last glacial period to the present interglacial period. a 400-year period, from A.D. 800 to 1200, characterized by warmer than normal conditions in the North Atlantic region (e.g. Greenland and Iceland). any interglacial period lasting more the 100 years. an interglacial period, characterized by a general warming trend, lasting since the last glacial maximum (LGM) to the present. a global cooling episode, lasting from approximately A.D. 1250 to 1850.
a brief return to near-glacial conditions during the transition period from the last glacial period to the present interglacial period.
An area defined by characteristic, long-term weather patterns is called an average weather place. a climatic region. a biome. an ecosystem. a Humboldt Zone.
a climatic region.
The Medieval Climate Anomaly was a global cooling trend that lasted from approximately 1250 to 1850. the current period of unprecedented warming that has occurred since 1980. higher than average temperatures throughout Asia, but mostly affecting China, that occurred during the Classical Chinese Medieval Period. a warming trend that occurred from the Last Glacial Maximum until the Little Ice Age (1250). a mild climate episode that lasted from 800 to 1200 and involved warmer than normal conditions in the North Atlantic region (e.g. Greenland and Iceland).
a mild climate episode that lasted from 800 to 1200 and involved warmer than normal conditions in the North Atlantic region (e.g. Greenland and Iceland).
The Maunder minimum during the Little Ice Age has been linked to a cooling of the Gulf Stream from rapid glacial melt in Greenland. changes in Earth's orbital shape (eccentricity). volcanic activity and multiyear changes in global circulation. changes in Earth's axial tilt (obliquity). a period of low sunspot activity from 1645 to 1715.
a period of low sunspot activity from 1645 to 1715.
Since 1880, global land-ocean temperatures have shown a warming trend. an oscillation between warming and cooling. a cooling trend until 1950, then a rapid warming trend. a cooling trend. no trend.
a warming trend.
Scientists attribute the recent rise in atmospheric concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O) primarily to drainage of wetlands. agricultural activity. industrial practices. wastewater management. automobile combustion.
agricultural activity.
"Snowball Earth" refers to a hypothesized model of climate change based on massive volcanic eruptions and/or nuclear fallout creating a global winter. an extreme icehouse climate from 600 to 700 million years ago with ice sheets extending to the tropics. the Pleistocene glaciation ending 12,000 years ago when the Laurentide Ice Sheet covered large portions of North America. a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. a climate model that predicts large expanses of ice sheets due to negative feedback loops triggered by climate change.
an extreme icehouse climate from 600 to 700 million years ago with ice sheets extending to the tropics.
General circulation models (GCMs) of the atmosphere are pre-computer based models that estimated atmospheric and oceanic circulation and are now being used to study climate change. are highly simplistic models that use one or two variables to test the veracity of climate proxies, such as ice core and ocean sediment core samples. are a combined GIS and remote sensing technique to monitor atmospheric and ocean currents. calculate the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere based on data from weather stations located around the globe. are based on statistical three-dimensional grids that characterize portions of the atmosphere and ocean in terms of climate-related variables.
are based on statistical three-dimensional grids that characterize portions of the atmosphere and ocean in terms of climate-related variables.
Major ecosystems determined largely by climatic regions and classified largely based on predominant vegetation are called biomes. climate zones. associations. ecotones. zoogeographic regions.
biomes.
Milankovitch cycles refer to changes in Earth-Sun relationships, namely the Earth's orbit around the sun, the Earth's axial rotation, and the Earth's axial tilt. increases and decreases in atmospheric gases and aerosols, primarily caused by natural activity such as volcanic activity and changes in net primary productivity. topographic changes from orogeny, erosion, and mass wasting. cyclical changes in solar irradiance caused by increases and decreases in sunspot activity. tectonic changes in continental positions.
changes in Earth-Sun relationships, namely the Earth's orbit around the sun, the Earth's axial rotation, and the Earth's axial tilt.
Which type of vegetation is common in the Mediterranean climate? chaparral boreal forest taiga rain forest selva
chaparral
What are general climate types defined by temperature and precipitation? climate zones climate classes climate regions climate regimes
climate regimes
What is the study of the collective patterns of atmospheric conditions over many years, including averages, extremes, and variability? View Available Hint(s) microclimate climate climatology meteorology geology
climatology
Which air masses influence the humid continental hot-summer climates in North America? continental polar (cP) and continental tropical (cT), especially in summer continental Arctic (cA) year-round continental polar (cP) and maritime tropical (mT), especially in winter continental polar (cP) year-round continental polar (cP) in summer and continental Arctic (cA) in winter.
continental polar (cP) and maritime tropical (mT), especially in winter
Which of the following is not a key indicator of present climate change? decreasing extent of sea ice decreasing mass of glaciers and ice sheets increasing sea-surface temperatures rising sea level decreasing atmospheric water vapor
decreasing atmospheric water vapor
What method can be used only for short-term climate reconstruction? View Available Hint(s) ocean sediment cores oxygen isotope analysis paleontology, the study of fossils such as foraminifera and plants ice cores dendrochronology
dendrochronology
Dry climates are divided into two types according to moisture. These are chaparral and selva. deserts and steppe. chaparral and tundra. deserts and tundra. steppe and chaparral.
deserts and steppe.
Vegetation in the tropical savanna is mixed deciduous and evergreen forests. dominated by grassland with scattered trees. desert-like succulents. broadleaf evergreen forests. lush (thick and green year-round).
dominated by grassland with scattered trees.
Los Angeles, located in a Mediterranean climate zone, is kept ________ during the summer because of the presence of ________. wet; mountains along the western side of the city wet; the warm California current off the coast dry; mountains along the western side of the city dry; the cold California current off the coast dry; presence of the ITCZ.
dry; the cold California current off the coast
Mediterranean dry-summer climates experience wet conditions in summer due to the ITCZ overhead. experience dry conditions in summer due to the subtropical high overhead. experience wet conditions in the summer due to the subtropical high overhead. are bordered poleward by steppe climates. experience wet conditions in winter due to the ITCZ overhead.
experience dry conditions in summer due to the subtropical high overhead.
Which of the following is a causal element of polar and highland climates? high precipitation, primarily in the form of snow extremes of daylength between summer and winter small differences of day length between winter and summer high sun altitude during the summer months low surface albedo due to ground cover
extremes of daylength between summer and winter
Which of the following is not considered an important carbon sink? soils oceans rocks farmlands forests
farmlands
What are mathematical representations of the processes and interacting factors that make up Earth's climate systems that scientists use to forecast future climate change? View Available Hint(s) measurements of current conditions Milankovitch cycles general circulation models proxy data sources historical records
general circulation models
Since the Industrial Revolution, global temperatures rapidly increased, then steadied out over the past 25 to 30 years. human population growth rates have decreased with a subsequent decrease in the warming trend that characterized pre-Industrial Revolution times. no observable warming or cooling trends have occurred, rather temperatures have oscillated between warm and cold periods. global temperatures have continued to warm at accelerating rates. sun spot activity has accelerated, resulting in an apparent warming that will subside when this activity ceases.
global temperatures have continued to warm at accelerating rates.
Mesothermal climates occupy more land and sea surface area than any other climate region. are sparsely populated by humans. are essentially seasonless. have very little seasonal variability. have a high degree of air mass interaction.
have a high degree of air mass interaction.
At low latitudes, the only interruption to tropical rainforest climates results from high elevations with highland climates. topographic features creating a rain shadow. cP air masses bring cool, stable air to the region. high pressure areas forming deserts. coastal upwelling and a strong thermocline.
high elevations with highland climates.
The rate of sea-level rise is higher than predicted by most climate models, and appears to be accelerating. is higher than predicted by most climate models, though appears to be decreasing. has remained constant throughout the past century, though appears to be accelerating. is lower than predicted by most climate models, and appears to be decreasing. is lower than predicted by most climate models, though appear to be accelerating.
is higher than predicted by most climate models, and appears to be accelerating.
Insolation, the energy input for the climate system, is largely determined by latitude. upper atmospheric circulation. location of high pressure cells. altitude. local and regional winds.
latitude
Global circulation patterns of winds and ocean currents, which drive weather systems and, ultimately, climate patterns are created by the Coriolis force. frictional force caused by the Earth's spinning on its axis. latitudinal energy imbalance between tropical and polar regions. differential cloud cover over Earth's surface. the differential heating properties of land and water.
latitudinal energy imbalance between tropical and polar regions
Marine west coast climates are dominated by what air masses? continental tropical (cT) continental polar (cP) maritime tropical (mT) maritime polar (mP) continental Arctic (cA)
maritime polar (mP)
Which air mass appears to predominately influence the humid subtropical region? continental polar (cP) maritime equatorial (mE) continental tropical (cT) maritime tropical (mT) maritime polar (mP)
maritime tropical (mT)
The primary factors contributing to present sea-level rise are thermal expansion of seawater, only. melting of sea ice and thermal expansion of seawater. melting of land ice and melting of sea ice. melting of land ice and thermal expansion of seawater. melting of land ice, only.
melting of land ice and thermal expansion of seawater.
The climate regime exemplified by Asia's Taklamakan Desert, Argentina's Patagonia, and areas of central Nevada is subarctic cold winter. marine west coast. tropical savanna. midlatitude cold desert. humid subtropical hot-summer.
midlatitude cold desert.
The 16O evaporates ________ than 18O, and condenses ________. more easily; less easily more easily; more easily less easily; less easily less easily; more easily more rapidly; more slowly
more easily; less easily
Which climate reconstruction methods provides the longest record of Earth's climate history? dendrochronology ice cores speleothem analysis ocean sediment cores carbon isotope analysis
ocean sediment cores
As permafrost thaws, increased microbial activity in the soils results in the release of more carbon to the atmosphere. More carbon in the atmosphere accelerated the greenhouse effect. This is known as the permafrost-carbon feedback. ice-albedo feedback. CO2-weathering feedback. wildfire-carbon feedback. water-vapor feedback.
permafrost-carbon feedback.
Changes in the orientation of the Earth's axis over a 26,000-year cycle is known as obliquity. inclination. declination. precession. eccentricity.
precession.
Scientists use ________ to study past climates, using ________ to reconstruct climates that extend back further than our present instrumentation allows. indirect evidence; conjecture inference; supposition computer models; algorithms direct measurements; historical records proxy methods; climate proxies
proxy methods; climate proxies
The graph shows that from 1850 to 2000, five large volcanic eruptions have caused a sudden rise in global temperatures, often lasting a decade or more. had no noticeable effects on global temperatures, only local and regional temperatures. resulted in lowered global temperatures for several years. increased the amount of acid deposition in areas surrounding the eruptions. led to dramatic increases in regional temperatures over the past century.
resulted in lowered global temperatures for several years.
During the last century, sea level remained fairly constant, though some areas (such at the Atlantic coast) experienced moderate rises. rose 30 to 46 cm (11.8 to 18 in.). dropped 10 to 13 cm (3.93 to 5.12 in.). rose 17 to 21 cm (6.7 to 8.3 in.). dropped 3 to 5 cm (1.18 to 3.15 in.).
rose 17 to 21 cm (6.7 to 8.3 in.).
Factors that influence dry climates include all the following except cool, stabilizing ocean currents along the western margins of continents. seasonal influence of the ITCZ. location in continental interiors. dry, subsiding air associated with subtropical high pressure systems. location in the rain shadow of mountains.
seasonal influence of the ITCZ.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of tropical climates? consistent day lengths influence of the ITCZ short, relatively mild, winters unstable air masses warm ocean temperatures
short, relatively mild, winters
Annual mass balance of glaciers worldwide from 1980 to 2012 was positive through 1995 and has been slightly negative since. shows a negative cumulative annual mass balance. trends near zero, indicating snowfall and melting are mostly equal. indicates a positive cumulative annual mass balance. has fluctuated greatly, with some positive and some negative years.
shows a negative cumulative annual mass balance.
The Little Ice Age likely resulted from solar activity, volcanic activity and/or multiyear changes in global circulation. the Pleistocene megafauna extinction. changes in Earth's orbital shape (eccentricity). changes in Earth's axial tilt (obliquity). a cooling of the Gulf Stream from rapid glacial melt in Greenland.
solar activity, volcanic activity and/or multiyear changes in global circulation.
Which proxy data source for past climate conditions examines mineral deposits in caves? View Available Hint(s) paleontology, the study of fossils varves speleothems dendrochronology ice cores
speleothems
Mineral deposits within caves and caverns are known as varves. latewood. foraminifera earlywood. speleothems.
speleothems.
Tropical climates are typically located all areas of the Earth influenced by a subtropical high pressure system. almost exclusively at high altitudes due to closer proximity to the sun. higher latitudes influenced by continental tropical air masses. straddling the equator between 20° N/S. primarily in areas associated with cold ocean currents.
straddling the equator between 20° N/S.
Which of the following has a negative radiative forcing (i.e. cools the planet)? stratospheric ozone (O3) nitrous oxides (N2O) chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) methane (CH4) carbon dioxide (CO2)
stratospheric ozone (O3)
The key elements of climate change science include which of the following? study of past climates, only measurement of current climatic change, only establishing policy on CO2 emissions projection of future climate scenarios, only study of past climates, measurement of current climatic change, and projection of future climate scenarios
study of past climates, measurement of current climatic change, and projection of future climate scenarios
Which climate is characterized by the largest change in monthly average temperatures; i.e., the greatest change in temperatures from one month to the next? Mediterranean tundra dry-midlatitude subarctic cold-winter marine west coast
subarctic cold-winter
The two principal climate components are wind speed and precipitation pressure and wind speed. precipitation and pressure. temperature and precipitation. temperature and pressure.
temperature and precipitation.
The dry season in the tropical monsoon climate occurs when cold ocean currents shift into the region. the northeast trade winds reverse direction during late winter. the Hadley cells reverse. a continental polar air mass influences the region. the ITCZ has moves away from the region.
the ITCZ has moves away from the region.
Which of the following is not considered a mechanism of natural climate change? movement of continents via plate tectonics the burning of fossil fuels volcanic eruptions solar variability changes in Earth-Sun relationships
the burning of fossil fuels
Climate is a reference to temperature patterns only. the long-term atmospheric condition-including extremes that may occur. the average precipitation an area receives in a month. the short-term condition of the atmosphere. the weather of a region.
the long-term atmospheric condition-including extremes that may occur.
Annual temperature ranges near South Georgia Island are low despite their high latitude because the climate is dominated by dry, frigid air masses year-round. high elevation mitigates against the extreme cold events that otherwise occur at these latitudes. they are influenced by maritime environments. the island is oriented on the sunward side of a large topographic feature. higher than average precipitation for the climate type mitigates against the extreme cold weather.
they are influenced by maritime environments.
The boundaries of the Köppen system (as well as other climate classification systems) are very abrupt corresponding to air mass interaction. transitions zones of gradual change. determined by latitude and are, therefore, only estimates. determined by longitude and are, therefore, only estimates. abrupt, but variable throughout the year, migrating with high and low pressure cells.
transitions zones of gradual change
In terms of total land and ocean area, which of the following climate classifications is the most extensive at 36% of Earth's surface? microthermal climates dry climates mesothermal climates polar climates tropical climates
tropical climates
Approximately ________ of total atmospheric methane comes from anthropogenic sources. one-eighth 25% one-third two-thirds half
two-thirds
World temperature patterns are primarily controlled by the following control except elevation. continentality. urban heat islands. latitude. land-water heating differences
urban heat islands.
A lower 18O/16O ratio in ocean sediment cores indicates a(n) ________ climate, whereas a higher 18O/16O ratio indicates a(n) ________ climate. warmer; cooler cooler; warmer cooler; cold stable; unstable imbalanced; balanced
warmer; cooler
Over the span of 70 million years, the Earth's climate was much warmer 70 m.y.a. compared to the present. has remained fairly constant, only showing a warming trend during the past 200 years. was much cooler 70 m.y.a. compared to the present. did not fluctuate greatly from approximately 500 m.y.a. to 65 m.y.a., then widely fluctuated until the current stable period. was warmest approximately 10 million years ago and coolest about 56 million years ago.
was much warmer 70 m.y.a. compared to the present.
As air temperatures increase, evaporation increases. Warmer temperatures also increase the capacity to absorb water vapor. More water vapor in the atmosphere accelerates the greenhouse effect. This is known as the permafrost-carbon feedback. water-vapor feedback. CO2-weathering feedback. ice-albedo feedback. wildfire-carbon feedback.
water-vapor feedback.
