EOS 103 -EXAM 1
What percentage of annual emissions of CFCs are due to natural sources? A. 10% B. 40% C. 65% D. 0%
0%
All of the area North of the Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of night (no sunrise) for how many days of the year? a. 1 b. 2
1
The ozone hole above the Antarctic was first discovered by three scientists from the British Antarctic Survey in_________. A. 1975 B. 1985 C. 1996 D. 2002
1985
The Great Oxygenation Event took place in this time interval a. 2.5 - 2.3 bya b. 4.5 - 4.0 bya
2.5 - 2.3 bya
Current estimates of the rate of ozone hole "healing" predict a return to pre-CFC Dobson levels by..... A. 2080 B. 2070 C. 2060 D. 2050
2050
The Earth's tilt is currently around.... a. 47 b. 23
23
The Earth's global air circulation system is divided into ______ major "cells" in each hemisphere. a. 3 b. 6
3
The United States emits roughly ______ times as much greenhouse gases as compared to its overall population percentage of the world. A. 20 B. 15 C. 5 D. 3
3
When it comes to insolation, three important numbers are 30%, 47%, and 23%. What do they measure? A. 30% of insolation is absorbed by atmosphere 23% of insolation is absorbed the Earth's surface 47% of insolation is reflected B. 30% of insolation is absorbed by the Earth's surface 23% of insolation is reflected 47% of insolation is absorbed by the atmosphere C. 30% of insolation is reflected 23% of insolation is absorbed by the atmosphere 47% of insolation is absorbed by the Earth's surface
30% of insolation is reflected 23% of insolation is absorbed by the atmosphere 47% of insolation is absorbed by the Earth's surface
Pre-CFCs levels of stratospheric ozone hovered around and annual maximum of..... A. 100 Dobson Units B. 200 Dobson Units C. 300 Dobson Units D. 400 Dobson Units
300 Dobson Units
What percentage of the annual global emissions of carbon dioxide are produced by human activities? A. 1% B. 4% C. 30% D. 93%
4%
During which of the following time frames were BIFs forming on Earth a. 4.0 bya - 1.9 bya b. 4.5 bya - 2.5 bya
4.0 bya - 1.9 bya
how old is the earliest evidence for the presence of oceans on Earth a. 4.5 by b. 4.3 by
4.3 by
How old is the Earth? a. 4.5 b. 4.3
4.5 billion years old
In 2020, the average annual atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide was around.... A. 280 parts per million B. 280 parts per billion C. 413 parts per billion D. 413 parts per million
413 parts per million
What percentage of annual emissions of nitrous oxides are due to human activities? A. 35% B. 42% C. 56%
42%
There are ____ major greenhouse gases, responsible for absorbing and trapping heat in our atmosphere. A. 2 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6
6 - methane, carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxides, tropospheric ozone, and chlorofluorocarbons
Measuring mean daily or annual tropospheric ozone concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere is thwarted by and essentially pointless because_______ (click all that apply). A. tropospheric ozone is very short-lived B. tropospheric ozone sources are highly localized (not uniformly mixed into the atmosphere) C. atmospheric scientists have no way to distinguish tropospheric ozone from stratospheric ozone
A/B
How did early "humans" likely learn that coal can be burned? Click all that apply A. coal seams ignited by lightening strikes B. coal seams ignited by forest fires C. coal seams ignited by self-combustion brought on by tectonic friction D. coal seems ignited by the last fire-breathing dragons
A/B/C
Aside from its favorable chemistry, and ease of restrictions to get Western coals to market, this region's coal production also benefited from......(click all that apply) A. higher productivity due to mechanization B. much cheaper labor force C. more accessible near-surface coalfields D. much higher average heat content of its coals than compared to the Eas
A/C
CFCs were widely used in the following applications (click all that apply): A. aerosol spray can propellant B. a scent carrier in strawberry shortcake dolls C. as non-stick lubricants for Rubik's Cubes D. refrigeration and air conditioning E. fire suppressants F. foaming agents G. tooth whiteners H. solvents and circuit cleaners I. cooling for Proton Packs J. hair gel hardener
A/d/e/f/h
Insolation that is reflected by the surface of the Earth essentially travels out through the atmosphere back to space without being absorbed by the atmosphere. Why? A. All insolation that hits the Earth's surface is converted into infrared radiation before reflection, a wavelength to which the atmospheric gas molecules are essentially invisible (they readily transmit it) B. All insolation that hits the Earth's surface is converted into UV radiation before reflection, a wavelength to which the atmospheric gas molecules are essentially invisible (they readily transmit it) C. All insolation that reaches the Earth's surface has already been "stripped" of most of the wavelengths readily absorbed by atmmospheric gas molecules, so the outgoing reflected insolation is essentially invisible to gas molecules
All insolation that reaches the Earth's surface has already been "stripped" of most of the wavelengths readily absorbed by atmmospheric gas molecules, so the outgoing reflected insolation is essentially invisible to gas molecules
Of the top 5 carbon dioxide emitters, which countries have reduced their annual carbon emissions per GDP since 1990s? Click all that apply A. China B. Russian Federation C. European Union D. India E. United States
All of the above
Why are plant distributions an excellent measure of an area's climate conditions? (click all that apply) a. A. unlike animals, plants are purely endemic, that is, they can only grow where they evolved and have not been moved or relocated by humans b. B. plants are sensitive to average soil moistures, as well as dependent of regular outlier events, for example seasonal monsoons C. plants are sensitive to minimum soil and atmospheric temperatures D. many endemic plants have a limited range of precipitation, temperature, wind, and moisture conditions to which they are adapted, therefore limiting their growth in areas that reflect these climatic conditions long-term.
B/c/d
The energy absorbed by the Earth's surface is returned as heat to the atmosphere via evaporation, conduction, and radiation. Match the following to their definitions A. conduction B. evaporation C. radiation __ heat absorbed by water molecules causes them to turn into a gaseous phase and rise into atmosphere __ some of the Earth's absorbed heat is directly transferred to air molecules in contact with the surface __ Heat emitted from the Earth's surface in the form of wave energy
BAC
Although not in the top 5 of TOTAL annual GHG emitters, this country is the fifth largest emitter of methane and nitrous oxide. A. Australia B. Japan C. Russian Federation D. Brazil
Brazil
Match the following wavelengths of sunlight to their associated effects. A. heat B. sunburn C. visible light ___380nm to ~740nm ____infrared ____ ultraviolet light
CAB
Which of the following ozone depleting substances is exclusively of human origins (no natural sources)? A. chlorine ions B. nitrous oxides C. hydroxils D. CFCs
CFCs
The country with the highest global annual emissions of carbon dioxide is_________________ A. Australia B. the European Union C. China
China
Which of the following countries (select two) have increased the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per capita since the 1990s? A. China B. Russian Federation C. European Union D. India
China/ India
"CFC" is short for........ A. carbofluorochlorines B. chlorofluorocarbons
Chloroflourocarbons
The three major types of fossil fuels are...(click all that apply) A. Coal B. Nitrogen C. Oil D. Natural Gas
Coal, Oil, Natural Gas
What do geologists call the outermost layer of the Earth? A. Inner core b. crust
Crust
After the Environmental Protection Agency was tasked in 1970 to regulate sulfide emissions by coal fire powerplants, coal production in the US experienced ______________, and coal employment numbers ____________. A. a massive decline; suddenly fell dramatically B. a massive decline; experienced unprecedented growth C. a massive increase; suddenly fell dramatically D. a massive increase; continued their downward trend since the 1920s
D. a massive increase; continued their downward trend since the 1920s
The rock record shows that BIFs continued to form for several 100 million years after the onset of red bed formation on the continents. How can this be explained? a. B. During the last ~300 million years of BIF formation, much of the surface waters of the oceans were fully oxygenated and this allowed oxygen to diffuse into the atmosphere. BIF formation continued as surface oxygen was slowly diffusing and mixing with deep waters that remained rich in dissolved iron. b. A. Red beds started to form as soon as the first photosynthetic oxygen was being produced in the oceans, since only some of that oxygen reacted with the dissolved iron. The remainder oxygenated the atmosphere and hence allowed rusting of rocks.
During the last ~300 million years of BIF formation, much of the surface waters of the oceans were fully oxygenated and this allowed oxygen to diffuse into the atmosphere. BIF formation continued as surface oxygen was slowly diffusing and mixing with deep waters that remained rich in dissolved iron.
Of the top 5 carbon dioxide emitters, which country has the lowest carbon emissions in terms of economic output (GDP)? A. China B. United States C. Russian Federation D. European Union
European Union
The annual emissions of carbon dioxide of these two countries has been declining since at least the early 2000s (or even before). Click all that apply A. Russian Federation B. European Union C. India D. United States
European Union/ United States
True or False? Coal production in the US peaked during the "Age of Steam".
False
Why is the "global warming potential" of greenhouse gas potentially misleading about the role each gas plays in actually contributing to warming? A. GWP doesn't take into consideration the radiative efficiency of each gas B. GWP doesn't take into consideration the e-lifetime of each gas C. GWP only focuses on total emissions, but not actual atmospheric concentrations D. GWP only considers the radiative efficiency of a certain amount of gas, without actually taking into consideration how much gas is ACTUALLY emitted and already present
GWP only considers the radiative efficiency of a certain amount of gas, without actually taking into consideration how much gas is ACTUALLY emitted and already present
The arid regions of the world lose their moisture to the surface winds of the ____________________ a. ITCZ b. Hadley Cells
Hadley Cells
Which of the following air circulation cells is located closest to the equator? a. polar cell b. Hadley cell
Hadley cell
The top 5 emitters of greenhouse gases are (click all that apply) A. Australia B. India C. United States D. Brazil E. Russian Federation F. European Union G. Japan H. Indonesia I. Canada J. China
India, United States, Russian Federation, European Union, China
This type of radiation makes up the largest range of wavelengths in sunlight A. UV radiation B. Visible Light C. Infrared
Infrared
Which is the largest source of electricity production in the United States? A. Hydropower B. Nuclear C. Coal D. Natural Gas
Natural Gas
The archeological evidence suggests that coal was first used by ________________________ 73,500 years ago. A. chimpanzees B. Homo sapiens C. Neanderthals
Neanderthals
Ozone has the chemical formula: a. O2 b. O3
O3
Significant ozone holes only form in the polar regions of the planet because..... A. the global air circulation brings most of the CFCs produced across the planet to these latitudes B. the global ocean circulation brings most of the CFCs produced across the planet to these latitudes C. UV radiation is much higher at poles than anywhere else on Earth D. Ozone destruction by chlorinated compounds is fastest in cold temperatures and in the presence of atmospheric ice crystals.
Ozone destruction by chlorinated compounds is fastest in cold temperatures and in the presence of atmospheric ice crystals.
In 2020, the dominant fuel used for transportation in the US was... A. Coal B. Natural Gas C. Nuclear D. Petroleum
Petroleum
Which country has the highest annual emission rates of CHFCs? A. China B. The United States C. The European Union
The United States
What object, about the size of Mars, is believed to have collided with the Earth soon after its initial formation? a. Theia b. Selene
Theia
What major sectors rely on petroleum? (click all that apply) A. Transportation B. Ceramics C. Plastics D. Tesla
Transportation, Plastics
The Northernmost latitude over which the sun can shine directly overhead is known as the ________________ a. Tropic of Cancer b. arctic circle
Tropic of Cancer
True or False? In 2020, most of the US' electricity was produced by burning fossil fuels.
True
True or False? Most coal was originally deposited as peat in stagnant swamps
True
What is the missing variable in this chemical formula?: O2 + ____ = 2O a. UV radiation b. O2
UV radiation
Ozone molecules effectively absorb UV radiation between 240 and 315 nanometers. What type of UV radiation does this primarily affect? A. UV-E and UV C B. UV-C and UV-B
UV-C and UV-B
Which of the following is NOT a recognized UV radiation designation? A. UV-A B. UV-B C. UV-C D. UV-D
UV-D
Among the top five emitters of carbon dioxide, which one emits the most carbon dioxide per capita (per person in country)? A. China B. Russian Federation C. United States
United States
The highest intensity of solar radiation is reached in this range of wavelengths A. all UV radiation B. Visible Light C. Infrared
Visible Light
The first human-made object travelled into space during.... a. World War I b. World War II
Word War II
The three-dimensional sediment mounds produced by cyanobacteria are known as.... a. stromatolites b. reefs
a. stromatolites
Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel to space in 1961, sent by which country? a. the soviet union b. siberia
a. the Soviet Union
Sulfur emission limits of European coal fire power plants were continuously lowered, especially when it was found that _________________ was killing forests in the 1980s. A. mercury B. acid rain C. coal soot D. calcium sulfide
acid rain
Burning natural gas produces less of which of the following than the burning of coal (to produce the same unit of energy)? (click all that apply) A. particulates B. sulfur dioxide C. nitrous oxides D. carbon dioxide E. carbon monoxide
all of the above
Seawater without dissolved free oxygen is known as.... a. oxic water b. anoxic water
anoxic water
This Domain of life is known for its "extremophile" members that are able to thrive in otherwise inhospitable and harsh environments a. archaea b. bacteria
archaea
The following three gases make up 99.9% of the air in the Earth's atmosphere (click all that apply) A. CFCs B. water vapor C. argon D. nitrogen E. carbon dioxide F. freon G. ether H. oxygen
argon, nitrogen, oxygen
Asphalt and water share almost the same albedo (5-6%). In other words, they absorb roughly the same amount of insolation and reflect only very little insolation. Yet, after a day in the hot sun, asphalt gets really hot, whereas a similarly thick layer of water does not. Why? A. asphalt has a lower heat capacity than water - its temperature rapidly rises with increased heat absorption, whereas that of water does not. B. asphalt has a higher heat capacity than water - its temperature rapidly rises with increased heat absorption, whereas that of water does not.
asphalt has a lower heat capacity than water - its temperature rapidly rises with increased heat absorption, whereas that of water does not.
Travelers who cross the boundary to space are allowed to call themselves.... a. astronauts b. aeronauts
astronauts
On average, most reflection of insolation takes place.... A. at the top of the atmosphere B. at the surface of Earth C. at the magnetosphere-space boundary
at the top of the atmosphere
A higher incident angle of sunlight causes that sunlight to a) travel a longer distance through the atmosphere, b) be spread out over a larger surface area, and c) be reflected more readily at the top of the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. Which of these factors contribute to a DECREASE in atmospheric absorption of energy locally? (click all that apply) a. traveling a longer distance through the atmosphere b. being spread out across a larger surface area c. being more ready reflected at the top of the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth
b/c
Although "geographic climate belts" are primarily defined by latitude, modern climate zone classifications, based on actual observations of precipitation, temperature, etc. can differ significantly because of the uneven redistribution of heat across the planet by ocean currents and air circulation, as well as....(click all that apply). a. city heat island effects b. the presence of mountains c. differing proximities to moisture sources such as the ocean d. increased solar insolation at the poles due to loss of global ozone
b/c
which of the following statements is true? a. "banded iron formations were deposited as alternating, horizontal layers of iron oxide and jasper" b. "banded iron formations were deposited as alternating, convoluted, twisting layers of iron oxide and jasper"
banded iron formations were deposited as alternating, horizontal layers of iron oxide and jasper"
Historically, the atmosphere has lost the same amount of heat that it also gained at any moment in time. This is called heat equilibrium. Why then has the atmosphere not stayed freezing cold? A. because most of the heat of the atmosphere is actually stored in the oceans, so even with no net gain of heat, the atmosphere stays warm B. because most of the heat of the atmosphere actually comes from the interior heat of Earth, so even with no net gain of heat, the atmosphere stays warm C. because of the high albedo of the Earth's surface, high energy sunlight is constantly moving through the atmosphere heating it, even when there is no net heat gain. D. because after the last Ice Age, the Earth reached a certain stable level of greenhouse gases in its atmosphere. Until about 1750, these gases were at full heat capacity. Any heat added to them, would also immediately be lost to space, however, they always hold on to heat in the process.
because after the last Ice Age, the Earth reached a certain stable level of greenhouse gases in its atmosphere. Until about 1750, these gases were at full heat capacity. Any heat added to them, would also immediately be lost to space, however, they always hold on to heat in the process.
In the fossil record, anatomical remains are known as..... a. trace fossils b. body fossils
body fossils
Why are the annual per capita emissions of countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia so large compared to other countries? A. both countries have large emission related to fossil-fuel-processing (mostly for export) yet relative small populations B. both countries primarily use coal for electricity C. both countries have low emissions related to fossil-fuel-processing (mostly for export) yet very large populations
both countries have large emission related to fossil-fuel-processing (mostly for export) yet relative small populations
Coal is primarily made of the element _________ .
carbon
Considering its radiative efficiency, e-lifetime, atmospheric concentrations, and total annual emissions, __________________ has and is contributing the most to global warming. A. carbon dioxide B. methane C. tropospheric ozone
carbon dioxide
The atmospheric concentrations of this greenhouse gas are currently the highest compared to other directly emitted gases. A. carbon dioxide B. methane C. nitrous oxide
carbon dioxide
This is the most produced greenhouse gas (billions of tons per year) by humans. A. carbon dioxide B. CFCs C. methane
carbon dioxide
Which greenhouse gas has the lowest absolute global warming potential and is therefore used as the standard for the "global warming potential", which compares among gases? A. carbon dioxide B. nitrous oxide C. methane
carbon dioxide
"A measure of atmospheric conditions for a region over a long period of time" best describes.... a. weather b. climate
climate
The first (purposefully) biological entities that traveled to space were a. corn kernels b. sunflower seeds
corn kernels
Which of the following groups is made up of photosynthetic bacteria? a. cyanobacteria b. protists
cyanobacteria
The Earth's axis is inclined relative to the _____________ a. elliptic b. ecliptic
ecliptic
Fish, humans, algae, and mushrooms are all part of this domain of life a. eukaryota b. bacteria
eukaryota
True or False? "Climate is an average of weather"
false
True or False? During crude oil refining, the longest chain hydrocarbons will rise and collect at the top of a distillation column.
false
True or False? Hot springs, geysers, and volcanic eruptions have a significant direct effect on the heat content of our atmosphere.
false
True or False? Most modern coal plants are equipped with "scrubbers" that remove carbon dioxide from the emissions before they leave the smokestack.
false
True or False? The 1985 Vienna Convention saw a 196 nations commit to a total reduction of ozone-depleting substances.
false
True or False? The Ozone Holes above the Arctic and Antarctic persist year round.
false
True or False? The good news is that since the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Climate Accord, we have seen dramatic decreases in global annual greenhouse gas emissions.
false
True or False? The increased UV radiation through the ozone holes causes global warming
false
True or False? The largest source of human emissions of nitrous oxides is the burning of fossil fuels.
false
True or False? The whole area North of the Arctic Circle experiences 6 months of total darkness.
false
True or False? UV radiation that is absorbed by the Earth's surface is, in part, reradiated back to the atmosphere as UV radiation.
false
oxygen released by photosynthetic microbes 2.9 billion years ago, was free to dissolve in and enrich ocean waters in free oxygen a. true b. false
false, oxygen was NOT free to dissolve and immediately reacted w/ iron in water to form iron oxide
There is an historical correlation between when coal was widely used in regions of Europe, and when local ________ became scarce. A. petroleum B. forests C. scrublands
forests
The process by which energy companies artificially increase the permeability of a reservoir rock is proverbially called..... A. stoking B. coking C. fracking D. perfing
fracking
Oil is ultimately formed... A. on timescales of 1-2 thousand years. B. exclusively in desert environments. C. from the dead bodies of planktonic micro-organisms.
from the dead bodies of planktonic micro-organisms.
The first animals sent to space were.... a. monkeys b. fruit flies
fruit flies
The following mechanism are responsible for distributing significant amount of atmospheric heat around our planet (click all that apply) a. mantle convection b. global ocean circulation c. global air circulation
global ocean circulation/ global air circulation
The Earth of today gains on average around 0.87 Watts of heat per square meter MORE than it is losing back to space. This observable and measurable phenomenon is known as..... A. a glacial period B. global cooling C. a global leftist conspiracy D. global warming
global warming
which of the following gases released during the outgassing of early planet Earth, would have readily escaped into space (and therefore would not have been present in the early atmosphere). Click all that apply a. carbon monoxide b. helium c. hydrogen sulfide d. hydrogen
helium and hydrogen
banded iron formations consist primarily of the following three minerals: a. hematite b. galena c. quartz d. magnetite e. feldspar
hematite, quarts and magnetite
Anthracite has a ______ (higher or lower?) percent carbon than lignite.
higher
The radiation absorbed by the Earth's heat is effectively converted into....... A. lower wavelengths B. higher wavelengths, notably UV radiation C. higher wavelengths, notably long-wave infrared D. none of the above
higher wavelengths, notably long-wave infrared
The solar wind primarily consists of... a. highly energized particles of electrons and protons b. methane
highly energized particles of electrons and protons
Petroleum and natural gas consist of ______________ A. dinosaur blood B. altered dinosaur carcasses C. purely of carbon D. hydrocarbons
hydrocarbons
what was the primary source of dissolved iron in the ancient oceans? a. hydrothermal vents and volcanic eruptions b. the core
hydrothermal vents and volcanic eruptions
If the Earth did not have a tilted axis (axis is perpendicular to ecliptic), the length of day and night would be.... a.. ...identical, that is 6 hours of daylight and 6 hours of night, regardless of the latitude b. ...identical, that is 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night, regardless of latitude
identical, that is 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night, regardless of latitude
Heat emitted by atmospheric gas molecules (after they absorbed it) is solely in the __________________ range of the spectrum A. ultraviolet B. visible C. infrared D. UVB
infrared
In general, greenhouse gases are collectively most effective at absorbing which wavelengths? A. visible light B. UV-A C. ultraviolet D. infrared
infrared
The sunlight that arrives at the top of the atmosphere is referred to as ________________________ by atmospheric scientists. A. insulation B. insinuation C. incosolation D. insolation
insolation
Oil tends to migrate upwards through overlying rocks because... A. of microbes carrying it to the surface. B. it is very light. C. of magnetism. D. it is very viscous.
it is very light
80% of human emissions of carbon dioxide are due to the burning of fossil fuel. What human sources make up the other 20%? (select two) A. animal husbandry B. land use C. waste water treatment D. cement making
land use, cement making
Other than the burning of fossil fuels, what are the other two major contributors to human emissions of methane? (click two) A. cement making B. rice fields C. landfills and waste-water treatment D. animal husbandry
landfills and waste-water treatment, animal husbandry
When searching for petroleum deposits what are some key characteristics of the geology? A. High permeability cap rock B. low permeability caprock C. anticlines D. synclines E. source rock
low permeability caprice, anticlines, source rock
Much of the growth in US coal production since the 1970s was caused by a huge increase in production of _____________ coals in the ____________________. A. high-sulfur; Eastern Coalfields B. high-sulfur; Western Coalfields C. low-sulfur; Eastern Coalfields D. low-sulfur; Western Coalfields
low-sulfur; Western Coalfields
Noctilucent clouds are limited to the _______________ a. stratosphere b. mesosphere
mesosphere
Unless you live in the US countryside, urban "gas stoves" and "gas water heaters" are supplied with what purified "natural gas"? A. methane B. butane C. propane D. ethane
methane
The higher latitudes lose ___________ heat to space than they gain locally from direct insolation. a. more b. less
more
Some CHFCs, notably "HG-03", have the highest radiative efficiencies among all greenhouse gases. Which of the following has the second highest radiative efficiency? A. carbon dioxide B. methane C. nitrous oxide
nitrous oxide
Which of the following greenhouse gases has the highest absolute global warming potential over 100 years? A. carbon dioxide B. methane C. nitrous oxide
nitrous oxide
Which of the following greenhouse gases has the longest AVERAGE "e-lifetime" in the atmosphere? A. CFCs B. methane C. nitrous oxide D. tropospheric ozone
nitrous oxide
Scientists first expressed concern about the ozone-depleting abilities of which byproduct of high-altitude supersonic jet aircraft? A. hydroxils B. chlorines C. nitrous oxides D. CFCs
nitrous oxides
The production of tropospheric ozone is limited by the human production of _____________________ A. carbon dioxide B. methane C. aerosols D. nitrous oxides
nitrous oxides
Which of the following layers of the Earth is in a molten state today? a. Inner core b. outer core
outer core
photosynthetic organisms use water, carbon dioxide, and the energy from sunlight to produce sugars and... a. iron b. oxygen
oxygen
UV radiation between 100 and 240 nanometers is primarily absorbed by _________ in the stratosphere. A. free oxygen (O) B. oxygen (O2) C. ozone (O3) D. bromine
oxygen (O2)
Which of the following gases most effectively absorb infrared wavelength of around 10 microns? A. methane and oxygen B. ozone and carbon dioxide C. oxygen and ozone
oxygen and ozone
Which of the following gases most effectively absorb incoming solar radiation in the UV range of the spectrum? (Look at the graph labelled "Absorption of Radiation by Atmospheric Gases" in your lecture slides) A. methane and carbon dioxide B. carbon dioxide and water vapor C. nitrous oxide and methane D. ozone and oxygen
ozone and oxygen
Atmospheric methane concentrations reached around 1892 ____ in 2020 A. parts per thousand B. parts per million C. parts per billion D. parts per trillion
parts per billion
"Oil" found in a geological setting is called _________
petroleum
Not surprisingly, the original basis for the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classifications was rooted in...... a. latitudinal position b. plant distributions
plant distributions
The following accounts for around 60% of all natural annual emissions of carbon dioxide A. oceans B. volcanoes C. plant respiration, decomposition, and burning D. lakes
plant respiration, decomposition and burning
The early oxygen in the atmosphere caused the rusting of sediments and rock on the terrestrial sphere for the first time. What are rusty rocks/sediments collectively known as? a. rustbelt rocks b. red beds
red beds
an abundance of carbon dioxide and dust from constant volcanic eruptions would have given the Earth's early atmosphere a ________ tint a. greenish b. reddish
reddish
Although some aerosols are able to absorb heat for short periods of time, the main role aerosols play in the greenhouse effect is as __________________________ A. reflectors of incoming solar radiation B. absorbers of incoming solar radiation
reflectors of incoming solar radiation
____________________, much like natural wetlands, contribute about 11% of the annual human emissions of methane. A. waste water B. drinking water reservoirs C. rice fields D. swimming pools
rice fields
At the ITCZ, surface winds..... a. rise, then cool to cause precipitation b. fall, then cool the mid-equatorial regions
rise, then cool to cause precipitation
A beam of sunlight hits an atmospheric gas molecule and the radiation splits, sending some rays back to space, and others towards the surface. The beam of sunlight is said to have been__________________ A. transmitted B. scattered C. reflected D. absorbed
scattered
what form does the evidence for the earliest oceans on Earth take? a. seafloor basalts b. ancient fish fossils
seafloor basalts
The ITCZ...... a. shifts around within the tropics b. likes within the Southern Hadley Cell
shifts around within the tropics
The single largest producer of natural nitrous oxide emissions are __________ processes. A. soil B. oceanic C. lightening
soil
OK, so every informed person knows that the Earth's seasons are caused by its tilt. When a given hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, that hemisphere is experiencing either..... a. spring or summer b. summer or fall
spring or summer
90% of the world's ozone is found in this atmospheric layer a. stratosphere b. exosphere
stratosphere
This atmospheric layer is the highest layer that can be readily studied using helium weather balloons. a. troposphere b. stratosphere
stratosphere
The following climate belt includes the larger part of the arid regions of our planet a. polar b. subtropics
subtropics
Which of the following climate belts is not defined by the tilt parameters of the Earth? a. temperate b. subtropics
subtropics
The longest day (most hours of daylight) of the year occurs on...... a. summer solstice b. winter solstice
summer solstice
Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere is equivalent to _________________ in the Northern Hemisphere a. summer solstice b. winter solstice
summer solstice
Wild "ruminants" (deer, antelope, elk, etc.) produce around 4% of the natural annual emissions of methane. What other non-human animal is responsible for an additional 3%? A. jackalopes B. wendigos C. drop bears D. termites
termites
The internationally recognized boundary to space lies at 100km above sea level. What is this boundary called? a. the tropopause b. the Kármán Line
the Kármán Line
what are the two primary sources of oxygen dissolved in today's ocean? a. the atmosphere b. volcanic eruptions on the seafloor d. photosynthesis
the atmosphere and photosynthesis
The significant decreases in carbon emissions/GDP over the last 40 years in Russia, Poland, and Kazakhstan is due to the fall of the Soviet Union, the economic growth that followed, and........ A. the fact that these countries immediately switched to natural gas for electricity production B. the fact that all coal mines in those countries shut down C. the fact that the highest polluting industries were shutdown and replaced with more modern, energy efficient, and less polluting systems
the fact that the highest polluting industries were shutdown and replaced with more modern, energy efficient, and less polluting systems
What is different about an unconventional reservoir as compared to a conventional reservoir? A. the former has a significantly lower porosity B. the former has significantly lower permeability C. the former is made of sandstone, whereas the latter is made from shale
the former has significantly lower permeability
The following best describes why the maximum altitude of a hot air balloon is limited to the lower stratosphere a. he hot air in the balloon is much denser than the majority of gases in the troposphere and a balloon quickly penetrates to the much lower density of the stratospheric air b. the hot air in the balloon reaches its minimum density in the lower stratosphere, and can only rise until the air surrounding it goes from denser to equal in density.
the hot air in the balloon reaches its minimum density in the lower stratosphere, and can only rise until the air surrounding it goes from denser to equal in density.
Where the Northern Hemisphere Hadley Cell meets the Southern Hemisphere Hadley Cell is called.... a. the equator b. the intertropical convergence zone
the intertropical convergence zone
The area filled out by the Earth's magnetic field is also known as..... a. greater space b. the magnetosphere
the magnetosphere
The earth's magnetic field is produced by... a. the motion of the molten outer core around the solid inner core b. the impact of the solar wind with the upper atmosphere
the motion of the molten outer core around the solid inner core
The latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are known collectively as.......... a. the zenith b. the tropics
the tropics
How is the boundary to space, at 100km above sea level, defined? a. this is roughly the maximum altitude at which a fixed-wing aircraft can fly without having to go at orbital velocity b. this boundary is completely arbitrary and was chosen because of the elegance of having a 100km boundary
this is roughly the maximum altitude at which a fixed-wing aircraft can fly without having to go at orbital velocity
A beam of solar radiation moves through an atmospheric gas molecule completely unimpeded and hits the Earth's surface. The beam is said to have been ____________________ A. reflected B. scattered C. absorbed D. transmitted
transmitted
On average, most of insolation is___________________ A. transmitted through to the surface of the Earth B. absorbed directly by the atmosphere
transmitted through to the surface of the Earth
90% of the mass of the atmosphere is generally found in which layer? a. stratosphere b. troposphere
troposphere
Most of what we refer to as "weather" takes place in this atmospheric layer a. troposphere b. mesosphere
troposphere
The following list provides the layers of the atmosphere from closest to Earth to farthest from Earth a. stratosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, exosphere b. troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
True or False? As the earth orbits around the Sun, the orientation of its axis (the direction in which it points) does not change
true
True or False? Many of the synthetic substances that were used to replace CFCs turned out to be potent greenhouse gases.
true
True or False? The annual human-produced methane emissions are nearly equal to the annual natural emissions.
true
Why is the e-lifetime of carbon dioxide a range rather than a single average number? A. because we have no idea what the lifetime of carbon dioxide is and therefore we conservatively guess a range that fits model projections B. unlike methane and nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere through multiple pathways, each with their own unique rate, which affects how long a given amount of carbon dioxide will stay in the atmosphere C. unlike methane and nitrous oxide, which are removed by a variety of processes from the atmosphere, carbon dioxide is removed by only a single means, which causes its rate to exponentially vary through time
unlike methane and nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere through multiple pathways, each with their own unique rate, which affects how long a given amount of carbon dioxide will stay in the atmosphere
The albedo of a surface is a measure of its reflectivity. Which of the following surface has a low albedo and therefore ABSORBS most of the insolation. A. corn field B. glacial ice C. coniferous forest D. water
water
Which greenhouse gas effectively absorbs the greatest range of sunlight's wavelengths? A. carbon dioxide B. water vapor C. methane D. oxygen
water vapor
The following two greenhouse gases are NOT produced directly by human emissions but through indirect processes and conditions created by humans (click two) A. carbon dioxide B. CFCs C. water vapor D. methane E. nitrous oxide F. tropospheric ozone
water vapor/ tropospheric ozone
Wavelengths between 0.3 and 2.3 microns are collectively known as...... A. wavelengths that make up the "window of incoming solar radiation" B. wavelengths that make up the "window of outgoing Earth radiation"
wavelengths that make up the "window of incoming solar radiation"
"It has been raining all week" best describes.... a. weather conditions b. the tropics
weather conditions
This environment is the single largest contributor to natural annual methane emissions A. wetlands B. beaches C. forests D. deserts
wetlands
When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere it is __________ in the Southern Hemisphere a. fall b. winter
winter