Climate Change Module 1 Reading Quiz

How much has Earth's mean surface temperature increased from the 1951-1980 mean value due to the increased global concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

2.12°F

When reviewing the following terms, which term is able to encompass all the others?

Climate change

Which of the following descriptions correctly explains the difference between climate and weather?

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of temperature and precipitation. Weather describes the short-term patterns of temperature and precipitation.

Which of the following is an indicator of climate change?

Decrease in snow cover and glaciers

Which of the following statements correctly explains the greenhouse effect?

Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation emitted by the planet's surface. This trapped heat energy is released slowly back into the atmosphere.

Based on projections made by scientists studying climate change, if human activities continue to impact climate at the same rate as today, what will most likely be the future effects on the different levels of biological organization?

Human activities will have serious impacts on all levels of biological organization in ecosystems across the planet.

Classify each description according to whether it describes global warming, climate change, or both. a. A gradual increase in the overall surface temperatures of Earth b. Long-term changes in climate patterns c. Emerges due to global warming d. Directly attributed to human activities e. Includes changes in the average temperature and precipitation f. Worldwide phenomenon

a. Global Warming b. Climate Change c. Climate Change d. Both e. Climate Change f. Both

Classify the following statements according to which season it describes. Answers may be used more than once. a. Occurs in March b. Occurs in June c. Occurs in September d. Occurs in December e. The sun's rays are directly aimed at the Equator f. Solar radiation has increased in the Northern Hemisphere g. The sun's rays are directly aimed at the Equator h. Solar radiation has increased in the Southern Hemisphere i. Spring in the Northern Hemisphere j. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere k. Spring in the Southern Hemisphere l. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere m. Fall in the Southern Hemisphere n. Winter in the Southern Hemisphere o. Fall in the Northern Hemisphere p. Summer in the Southern Hemisphere

a. Vernal Equinox b. Summer Solstice c. Autumnal Equinox d. Winter Solstice e. Vernal Equinox f. Summer Solstice g. Autumnal Equinox h. Winter Solstice i. Vernal Equinox j. Summer Solstice k. Autumnal Equinox l. Winter Solstice m. Vernal Equinox n. Summer Solstice o. Autumnal Equinox p. Winter Solstice

e. Evidence/Data: ___________ due to the increased amount of carbonic acid in the oceans. f. Evidence/Data: Global ____________ of snow and ice due to a warming of the planet. As ice coverage melts, there has been a rise in ____________ g. Evidence/Data: Increase in ___________ , due to the loss of sea ice and increased global temperatures which in turn disrupts historical weather patterns. h. Conclusion: The data gathered ____________ observations that the climate on the planet is changing. These observations are positively ____________ with the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.

a. increasing, 1980s b. increasing, 1950s, carbon dioxide c. increased, increased d. Temperature changes, trap e. Ocean acidification f. decrease, sea levels g. extreme weather events h. supports, correlated

This graph, depicting both global temperatures and carbon dioxide levels, indicates that

global temperatures and carbon dioxide levels have tended to increase, especially in the last 140 years.