Earth/Space Science - Earth's Climate History

What is one cause of long-lasting climate change?

Earth's elliptical orbit

What happens when volcanoes release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere?

The climate gets warmer.

In what type of climate do trees produce narrower rings?

cool and dry

Which played a major role in altering wind patterns and ocean currents?

movement of continents

What should scientists consider when studying tree rings to understand the variations in the local climate?

patterns in their width, their density, and their composition

What do scientists study to reconstruct past climate conditions?

pollen grains, tree rings, and fossils

What do glaciers deposit that helps scientists study ancient climates?

sediment that contains fossils

What is a fossil?

the remains of an animal or plant preserved within a layer of rock

What most likely caused the ice ages?

the tilt of the Earth's axis and the shape of its orbit

How do scientists use ice to study ancient climates?

through glacial deposits and ice cores

What is the relationship between Earth's temperature and the number of sunspots that occur?

An increased number of sunspots causes an increase in Earth's temperature.

Which factors of Earth's position would contribute to long-term climate change?

its elliptical orbit and the tilt on its axis

What effect does the release of volcanic gases and ash into the air have on long-term climate?

It reflects solar energy back into space and lowers temperatures.

Which statement best explains how tectonic activity affects long-term climate change?

The movement of continents changes wind patterns and ocean currents.

What statements are accurate based on the study of tree rings? Select 3 options.

1. Narrow rings indicate a cool and dry climate. 2. The number of rings can give the tree's age. 3. Size and density of tree rings can give information on past climates.

What happens when the Sun emits more energy than normal?

Solar flares and sunspots occur, increasing Earth's temperature.

How do scientists study pollen grains to help them understand climate change?

by analyzing and making inferences about them

Pollen grains help scientists

identify plants and make assumptions on past climate conditions.

How can the process of climate change best be described?

natural and continuous

What are sunspots?

storms on the Sun's surface

Which substance may lower air temperatures after a volcanic eruption?

sulfur dioxide

In what type of climate do trees produce wider rings?

warm and wet