Questions from Geo110 Quizzes
Vostok Ice Core Record for past 450,000 years: The record of temperature and atmospheric CO2 variation at Vostok (Antarctica) shows a cycle in warming and higher CO2 that repeats approximately every [100,000 years] years.
100,000
The "Carbon Cycle Mystery" refers to [CO2 emissions that have been redistributed to the ocean and terrestrial biosphere]. Without this, atmospheric CO2 concentrations would be [higher] than they are today.
CO2 emissions that have been redistributed to the ocean and terrestrial biosphere, higher
Currently, [Sub‑Saharan Africa] is the world region where the population has the least access to electricity; this same region is experiencing high rates of [urbanization] and thus electricity demand is predicted to increase there dramatically.
Sub-Saharan Africa, urbanization
The United States has already committed to supplying 100% of energy production with renewables by 2050. Select one: True False
The correct answer is 'False'.
Among the various greenhouse gases, [carbon dioxide] contributes the most to the Atmospheric Greenhouse Gas Index [AGGI] and thus to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect
carbon dioxide
Over the past 100 years, both our instrumental records and our climate models agree that Earth's land surfaces are warming [faster than] than the oceans. This is especially true at [northern latitudes].
faster than, northern latitudes
Over the Industrial Age until about the year 2000, more anthropogenic CO2 has been taken up by [the oceans] than [the terrestrial biosphere].
the oceans, the terrestrial biosphere
Higher CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere result in higher rates of CO2 uptake by the terrestrial biosphere because more CO2 makes plants grow better. Is this a positive feedback or a negative feedback? a. Positive, because the overall system increases in CO2 concentration as this feedback operates. b. Positive, because both the CO2 concentration and the uptake rates are getting higher as the feedback operates. c. Negative, because higher CO2 concentration results in an increase rate of CO2 removal from the atmosphere d. Negative, because as plants grow better they release more CO2 to the atmosphere
Negative, because higher CO2 concentration results in an increase rate of CO2 removal from the atmosphere
Since the start of the Industrial Age, human activities have added approximately [1650] of CO2 through fossil fuel consumption and [750] of CO2 through changes in land-use. However, the oceans have taken up [580] of this CO2 and changes in the terrestrial biosphere have taken up another [730]. Note - all answer choices rounded to nearest tenth for simplicity.
1650, 750, 580, 730
The Last Glacial Maximum occurred approximately [20,000 years ago] and was followed by a warming event called the [Bølling‑Allerød] and then a sudden cooling called the [Younger Dryas].
20,000 years ago, Bølling‑Allerød, Younger Dryas
As of September 2021, the global average concentration of atmospheric CO2 is approximately [415 ppm]. This is a [30% increase] since atmospheric CO2 monitoring began at Mauna Loa in 1958. In contrast, the atmosphere's CO2 concentration was approximately [280 ppm] for hundreds of years of human history before the Industrial Revolution.
415 ppm, 30% increase, 280 ppm
If we continue with Business-as-Usual global use of fossil fuels, on a global basis we can expect to have approximately [50] years' worth of remaining oil and gas and [100] years' worth of remaining coal.
50, 100
The [Pleistocene] was a time of globally cold climate that is followed by the [Holocene], a time of relatively warm climate.
Pleistocene, Holocene
The Greenhouse Effect operates in Earth's [atmosphere] where [infrared radiation] radiating up from Earth's surface is absorbed and then re-radiated in all directions including back down to Earth's surface. This in effect recycles [infrared radiation] and adds extra energy in addition to the insolation that Earth receives from the Sun.
atmosphere, infrared radiation, infrared radiation
Pure water freezes at [0°C or 32°F], while seawater begins to freeze at [‑2°C or 28 °F]. The freezing point of water decreases with [increasing] dissolved salt content.
0°C or 32°F, ‑2°C or 28 °F, increasing
Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth's average surface temperature has increased by approximately [1 °C], while the increase from the end of the last Ice Age to the year 1800 CE was approximately [4 °C].
1 °C, 4 °C.
At the start of the Industrial Revolution approximately [200] years ago, the concentration of atmospheric CO2 was approximately [280 ppm].
200, 280 ppm
The world's urban population exceeded rural population for the first time in the year [2007], while in the USA this occurred in approximately [1920]; in the USA approximately [82] of the population is urban.
2007, 1920, 82
As of early September 2021, the approximate concentration of CO2 in our Earth's atmosphere is [415 ppm] (choose the answer that most closes matches the most recent data).
415 ppm
Due to Earth's eccentric orbit around the Sun, (remember Milankovitch Cycles?) The Solar Constant varies by about 7% over the course of one year. It is lowest in July and highest in January. All else being equal, at what time of year does this annual cycle in Solar Constant lead to the lowest global average radiative forcing? Select one: a. July b. January c. October d. April
July
Which of the following renewable energy sources has the advantage of being able to be used directly in both electricity generation and transportation? Select one: a. biofuels b. hydropower c. wind power d. solar power
The correct answer is: biofuels
The share of total global energy derived from renewable sources is [increasing] and represents approximately [21] of global energy consumption.
increasing, 21
The Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age are two climate episodes in the past two thousands years when Earth was anomalously warm and cool, respectively. The global average temperature anomalies during these episodes were [less than] the temperature change experienced in the past 100 years.
less than
The areal extent of Arctic Ocean sea ice reaches a [minimum] each year in September and a [maximum] each year in March. For both winter and summer, the extent of sea ice is [decreasing], with [summer ice extent] declining faster.
minimum, maximum, decreasing, summer ice extent
Couple carbon cycle-climate models indicate that to limit future global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-Industrial Earth average temperature, we will globally need to [reduce CO2 emissions globally] within the next 10 years, [reach net zero emissions globally] within 30 years, and [achieve negative emissions] in the decades after that.
reduce CO2 emissions globally, reach net zero emissions globally, achieve negative emissions
[Water] is the natural material that is most important for transporting energy in the global heat engine that is atmospheric and ocean circulation. Very generally, this heat engine moves an excess of energy from [the Equator] towards [the North and South Poles] to account for the imbalance between incoming and outgoing radiation.
Water, the Equator, the North and South Poles
Drag and drop the following terms to reflect the masses of various stores (also called reservoirs) in the global carbon cycle in decreasing order (from largest to smallest):
[intermediate + deep ocean] [soil + land plants] [remaining fossil fuel reserves] [atmosphere] [marine biota]
The three gases that together make up nearly 100% of Earth's atmosphere are nitrogen, argon and [oxygen].
oxygen
In the Arctic Ocean, the areal extent of multi-year (ice that did not form during the previous winter) has been ______ in recent years a. shifting northward b. decreasing c. moving from offshore Canada to offshore Russia d. increasing
The correct answer is: decreasing
Which of the following sources of renewable energy contributes the LEAST energy globally? Select one: a. Hydropower b. Wind power c. Modern biofuels d. Solar power
The correct answer is: Modern biofuels
go to https://flowcharts.llnl.gov/commodities/energy and select 2018, United States, Massachusetts from the drop down menus. What is the state's largest energy source? Select one: a. Natural Gas b. Petroleum c. Nuclear d. Coal e. Solar
The correct answer is: Petroleum
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per capita", that FUEL is set to "Total" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view. You can also switch from "Chart" to "Table" to see a list view that you can sort from largest to smallest. Which country was the highest per capita source of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019? Select one: a. Canada b. United States c. Qatar d. India e. China f. Guyana g. Russia
The correct answer is: Qatar
Urbanization and growth in the urban population growth is increasing most rapidly in: Select one: a. Latin America b. Europe c. Sub-Saharan Africa d. the United States
The correct answer is: Sub-Saharan Africa
Why was the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) not successful? Select one: a. The convention has NOT led to a reduction in emissions b. countries could not agree on an emissions cap c. Countries refused to commit to reducing emissions
The correct answer is: The convention has NOT led to a reduction in emissions
What is grid parity? Select one: a. The cost to obtain electricity through renewables is equal or lower than traditional fossil fuels b. The cost to obtain electricity through your own solar panels is equal to obtaining electricity from outside sources c. When the costs to obtain electricity through solar is increasing faster than prices of fossil fuels
The correct answer is: The cost to obtain electricity through renewables is equal or lower than traditional fossil fuels
Higher CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere provide plants with more of the key material needed for photosynthesis, resulting in higher rates of CO2 uptake by the terrestrial biosphere. Is this a positive feedback or a negative feedback? Select one: a. positive feedback, because both the concentration and uptake rates are going higher b. negative feedback, because the overall system experiences a reduced change as the feedback operates c. negative feedback, because higher CO2 results in a lower mass of the terrestrial biosphere d. positive feedback, because the overall system increases in CO2 concentration as this feedback operates
The correct answer is: negative feedback, because the overall system experiences a reduced change as the feedback operates
Climate vulnerability is the predisposition to be adversely affected. Which is NOT a factor that contributes to climate vulnerability? Select one: a. Ability to avoid or limit climate change hazard b. Physical location of house relative to risk c. access to resources for aid and recovery d. proximity to the equator
The correct answer is: proximity to the equator
Any variable that affects the amount of energy absorbed and emitted by the Earth's surface is a type of: Select one: a. atmospheric circulation b. radiation c. greenhouse effect d. radiative forcing e. climate sensitivity
The correct answer is: radiative forcing
Which statement below is NOT an example of adaptation to climate change? Select one: a. constructing physical barriers to protect the built environment from natural hazards such as floods and fires b. providing tax incentives for homes and businesses to build buildings resilient to extreme events c. shifting energy production from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources d. generating community-based hazard mapping to inform decision making and emergency management plans
The correct answer is: shifting energy production from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources
Over million year timescales, what process is most important in controlling the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere? Select one: a. erosion and river transport b. silicate mineral weathering c. burning of fossil fuels d. photosynthesis
The correct answer is: silicate mineral weathering
What is the United States' current role in the Paris Climate Agreement? Select one: a. the US never joined the Paris Climate Agreement b. the US has been a party in the Paris Climate Agreement since 2016 c. the US has not officially been a part of Paris Climate Agreement since it withdrew in November 2020 d. the United States rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement in February 2021
The correct answer is: the United States rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement in February 2021
What is the United States' current role in the Paris Climate Agreement? Select one: a. the United States rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement in February 2021 b. the US has been a party in the Paris Climate Agreement since 2016 c. the US never joined the Paris Climate Agreement d. the US has not officially been a part of Paris Climate Agreement since it withdrew in November 2020
The correct answer is: the United States rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement in February 2021
Which of the following best describes the concept of "ecosystem services" Select one: a. the overall health of members of an ecosystems in the context of their capacity to maintain and grow their population b. the benefits to human health, livelihoods, cultural practices and security that are conferred by non-human natural processes acting in an environment c. the financial rewards of having a healthy ecosystem d. the role(s) that members of an ecosystem play in competing among themselves for natural resources
The correct answer is: the benefits to human health, livelihoods, cultural practices and security that are conferred by non-human natural processes acting in an environment
The places and spaces made by humans that provide the settings for our human activities are collectively termed: Select one: a. metropolises b. the built environment c. the urban core d. communities e. megacities
The correct answer is: the built environment
Which scenario produces the greatest increase in radiative forcing? Select one: a. the projected increase from 400 to 600 ppm by the year 2050 b. the projected Business-as-Usual increase from 600 ppm in the year 2050 to 800 ppm by the year 2100 c. the increase in CO2 from before the Industrial Revolution to today (280 to 405 ppm)
The correct answer is: the increase in CO2 from before the Industrial Revolution to today(280 to 405 ppm)
Which of the following is generally agreed to be the biggest weakness of the Paris Climate Agreement of 2016? Select one: a. the lack of a mechanism for enforcement or compliance b. setting of greenhouse gas emissions targets that will cause global financial catastrophe c. the failure to involve developing countries in the decision-making d. pushing the costs of emission reductions onto developing economies
The correct answer is: the lack of a mechanism for enforcement or compliance
Which of the following is not a fossil fuel source? Select one: a. uranium b. oil c. natural gas d. coal
The correct answer is: uranium
What is one disadvantage of wind power? Select one: a. Wind turbines are very quiet b. wind does not produce enough power consistently c. Ideal wind conditions occur near populated areas
The correct answer is: wind does not produce enough power consistently
Which of these are naturally occurring processes for removing CO2 from the atmosphere? Choose all that apply - more than one answer is correct. Select one or more: a. burning of coal b. dissolving into the ocean c. volcanoes d. photosynthesis e. melting of permafrost f. reactions with minerals g. burial in ocean floor sediments
The correct answers are: photosynthesis, dissolving into the ocean, reactions with minerals
In a geochemical cycle (like the carbon cycle), a [reservoir or store] is a conceptual place where a mass of carbon is stored. A [flux] is the process by which some of that mass moves from one store to another.
reservoir or store, flux
Because ice is less dense than liquid water, the mass of an ice cube is [the same as] the liquid water that results when the ice melts and the volume of an ice cube is [more than] the liquid water that results when the ice melts.
the same as, more than
The earth receives energy in the form of [visible light] from the sun and emits [infrared]
visible light, infrared
Over the past twenty years (in other words, roughly over your lifetime), the concentration of atmospheric CO2 has increased by [47 ppm], which is approximately a [13%] increase compared to the concentration in February 2001.
47 ppm, 13%
There are approximately [7.9 billion] people in the world, and more than half of them live in [urban areas].
7.9 billion, urban areas
[Respiration] is the main natural source of CO2 to Earth's atmosphere, while [Burning of fossil fuels] is the main anthropogenic source of atmospheric CO2.
Respiration, Burning of fossil fuels
Which of these things DOES NOT contribute to radiative forcing? Select one: a. albedo b. greenhouse gases c. the earth's core d. the solar constant
The correct answer is: the earth's core
Volcanic emissions of CO2 are an example of a [flux or process] in the carbon cycle, while permafrost is an example of a carbon cycle [store or reservoir].
flux or process, store or reservoir
The oceans and atmosphere are very effective at transporting heat energy, mainly due to the remarkable capacity for [water] to store heat energy. This is especially true in the [temperate climate zone] where a succession of alternating high and low pressure weather systems in the atmosphere and strong warm-water ocean currents move heat from the tropics towards the poles.
water, temperate climate zone
How well do changes in atmospheric CO2 correspond to changes in temperature over the past 1,000 years? Select one: a. As CO2 increases, temperature decreases; they are negatively correlated. b. There is no correlation between the two. c.As CO2 increases, temperature increases; they are positively correlated.
As CO2 increases, temperature increases; they are positively correlated.
We know that global temperature increases with increases in the concentration of atmospheric CO2. Which graph below best depicts this relationship? Note that there are four graphs to choose from; make sure that you adjust your screen to view all four choices.
Graph showing temperature increasing as CO2 increases in a non-linear fashion, increases in CO2 at the beginning lead to exponential increases in temperature, which eventually level off as more CO2 is added
[Radiative equilibrium] is a simple, whole-Earth climate model based on the principles of "energy-in must equal energy-out" and the Stefan-Boltzmann relationship that connects the total energy emitted by a black body with its [temperature].
Radiative equilibrium, temperature
This figure shows the Earth and Sun in three different arrangements in space. Which of these is the correct arrangement during summer in the Northern Hemisphere? Note that the relative sizes and distance between the Sun and Earth are not to scale in these images.
See picture, but it has the Earth tilting to the right a bit towards the sun
The share of primary energy from renewable sources is decreasing globally, and now exceed 10% of total energy production Select one: True False
The correct answer is False.
The rate of increase in global average temperature since 1880 CE (approximately 0.07 °C per decade) is unprecedented in the past 10,000 years of Earth's climate history. Select one: True False
The correct answer is True.
RCP 2.6 is a CO2 concentration pathway that, when input into models of Earth's future climate, indicate a likely global average annual temperature increase of _______ compared to the Earth's average temperature in the year 2000. a. 4 °C b. 1 °C c. 0.5 °C d. 2 °C
The correct answer is: 1 °C
Which states are responsible for most energy production in the USA? Select one: a. Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York b. California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah c. Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana d. Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Your answer is correct. The correct answer is: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana
We know about the source of the CO2 added to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution through carbon isotopes. The low ratio of 13C/12C tells us that the source must be [biologically derived, such as from living biomass, soils, or fossil fuels like coal and petroleum] and the decreasing abundance of 14C over time tells us that the source must be [very old, such as from volcanoes, the deep ocean or fossil fuels like coal and petroleum]. The only source consistent with all carbon isotopes is [fossil fuels].
biologically derived, such as from living biomass, soils, or fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, very old, such as from volcanoes, the deep ocean or fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, fossil fuels
Over the Industrial Age, human activities have resulted in the addition of 2400 GtCO2 added to Earth's atmosphere. Of this, approximately 1650 were added due to [fossil fuel burning] and 750 added due to [land‑use change].
fossil fuel burning, land-use change
The Hockey Stick diagram is one of the most well-known graphs in the field of climate change. This graph, which shows [global average temperature anomalies over the past 1000 years], has a direct connection to UMass because [two of the three authors were researchers in the UMass Department of Geosciences; one is still a professor here.]
global average temperature anomalies over the past 1000 years, two of the three authors were researchers in the UMass Department of Geosciences; one is still a professor here.
Within the Hadley Cell, most heat energy is carried at [high up in the atmosphere, high altitude] where winds are carrying air [from the Equator towards the Poles]
high up in the atmosphere (high altitude), from the equator towards the poles
Before the start of direct sampling at scientific observatories, the main source of data about the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere thousand of years ago comes from [ice cores] which tell us that the rate of increase in CO2 and other GHGs in recent decades is [unprecedented ] over the past 12,000 years of the Holocene.
ice cores, unprecedented
In coming decades, human population growth is predicted to be greatest in [least]-developed countries, where per capita fossil-fuel use is currently [low] and rates of urbanization (moving from rural to urban areas) are [high]
least, low, high
Earth's global heat engine is fueled by a surplus of energy at low latitudes compared to high latitudes. This surplus is caused by [more] incoming solar energy relative to outgoing heat energy near the Equator, and [more] outgoing heat energy compared to incoming solar energy near the Poles.
more, more
Visible light, ultra-violet light and x-rays are examples of [short‑wave radiation]; the major greenhouse gases are all largely [transparent] to this kind of electromagnetic radiation. Infrared radiation is an example of [long‑wave radiation], the major greenhouse gases are significantly [opaque] to infrared radiation.
short-wave radiation, transparent, long-wave radiation, opaque
The temperature of an object emitting electromagnetic radiation as a black-body controls the power of that radiation, which can be thought of as the total amount of energy of that radiation. Which of the following graphs best depicts the relationship between temperature of an object and the power of the electromagnetic radiation it emits? Note that for each graph, temperature is on the x-axis and increases linearly to the right, and power is on the y-axis and increases linearly upwards.
See picture, but the graph shows as temperature increases power does as well, with an exponential increase in power after temperature has increased about 75% of the way along the x-axis
There is natural variation in the Earth's climate system. Which of these things can contribute to NATURAL climate change? Select one: a. Cutting down a forest for timber b. Volcanic eruptions c. Gasoline cars d. Solar panels
The correct answer is: Volcanic eruptions
What is climate sensitivity? Select one: a. a measure of how sensitive a species or ecosystem is to changes in climate b. an index of which climate types are most vulnerable to disappearing with future climate change c. the relationship between an object's temperature and the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation it would emit as a black body d. a relationship that describes how temperature will change in response to changes in a radiative forcing such as CO2
The correct answer is: a relationship that describes how temperature will change in response to changes in a radiative forcing such as CO2
Which RCP is the future CO2 scenario that results in the highest addition of radiative forcing on Earth's energy balance and our climate system? a. RCP 6.0 b. RCP 8.5 c. RCP 2.6 d. RCP 4.5
The correct answer is: RCP 8.5
What is an example of an emergent risk of climate change? Select one: a. crop failures due to insects that evolve resistance to pesticides b. decreased fish catches caused by pollution-induced lower fertility in fish c. increased coastal flooding from higher and more frequent storm surges
The correct answer is: increased coastal flooding from higher and more frequent storm surges
The potential for negative consequences where something of value is at stake and the outcome is uncertain: Select one: a. is called sunk costs b.is called vulnerability c. is called hazard d. is called risk
The correct answer is: is called risk
During the Medieval Warm period, about 1,000 years ago, were CO2 concentrations higher or lower than they are now?
The correct answer is: lower
The following four graphs show possible relationships between Earth's average surface temperature on the y axis, and Earth's average albedo on the x axis. Which of these correctly shows this relationship?
As albedo increases, temperature goes down but in a not linear fashion (goes down slowly initially, then exponentially decreases as albedo increases more)
Which of the following world regions is expected to have the greatest rate of human population growth in coming decades? a. Europe b. Central and South America c. Sub-Saharan Africa d. North Africa and the Middle East e. East Asia
The correct answer is: Sub-Saharan Africa
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per country" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view. You can move the slider at the bottom of the chart to start at another year than 1750. You can also switch from "Chart" to "Table" to see a list view that you can sort from largest to smallest. Order the following countries or bloc from greatest to least in terms of per country CO2 emissions in the year 2000 (roughly the year many of you were born).
Greatest [USA] [EU‑28] [China] [Russia] [Japan] Least. [India]
Approximately how much additional CO2 can we add to the atmosphere through human activities and still possible remain below 2°C warming compared to pre-Industrial average Earth temperature? a. 4000 GtCO2 b. 600 GtCO2 c. 120 GtCO2 d. 1000 GtCO2 e. 1600 GtCO2
The correct answer is: 1000 GtCO2
How much sea level rise over the Industrial Age has resulted from combined effects of thermal expansion and melting of ice sheets and glaciers? a. 5 cm (about 2 inches) b. 1 cm (about 1/2 inch) c. 25 cm (about 10 inches) d. 40 cm (about 16 inches) e. 12 cm (about 5 inches)
The correct answer is: 25 cm (about 10 inches)
Equilibrium climate sensitivity tells us how much global temperatures should increase for every doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration. If our equilibrium climate sensitivity is 3°C per doubling of CO2, by how much have global temperatures increased since the last major ice age? hint: recall today's CO2 concentration and CO2 during the Last Glacial Maximum, and calculate how many "doublings" that is. Select one: a. 3.9 °C b. 10.4 °C c. 6.5 °C d. 2.1°C
The correct answer is: 3.9 °C
What percentage of the US population lives in coastal areas - the region most at risk due to sea level rise and flooding associated with climate change? a. 85% b. 21% c. 3% d. 62% e. 40%
The correct answer is: 40%
Which statement below is NOT a conclusion of the 2018 National Climate Assessment? Select one: a. The impacts of climate change have not yet been felt in much of the US, and future climate-related risks to Americans' physical, social, and economic well-being are decreasing b. Earth's climate is now changing faster than at any point in modern civilization c. Current climate changes are primarily the result of human activities, the evidence of which is overwhelming and continues to strengthen d. Americans are responding in ways that can reduce risks, build resilience, and improve livelihoods e. Neither global efforts to mitigate the causes of climate change nor regional efforts to adapt to the impacts currently approach the scales needed to avoid substantial damages to the U.S. economy, environment, and human health and well-being over the coming decades
The correct answer is: The impacts of climate change have not yet been felt in much of the US, and future climate-related risks to Americans' physical, social, and economic well-being are decreasing
What is one drawback to hydroelectric power? Select one: a. building of dams contributes to loss of land, displacement of people b. hydroelectric power is only intermittent c. building dams creates more flooding problems
The correct answer is: building of dams contributes to loss of land, displacement of people
The majority (about 73%) of our greenhouse gas emissions are associated with___? Select one: a. generating energy b. agriculture and forestry use c. waste
The correct answer is: generating energy
What is the largest source of renewable energy globally? Select one: a. wind power b. geothermal power c. Solar power d. hydroelectric power
The correct answer is: hydroelectric power
Which of the following currently the most important source of renewable energy for the Earth? a. solar power b. geothermal energy c. wind power d. hydropower e. tides
The correct answer is: hydropower
Drag and drop the following terms to reflect the rates of various processes in the global carbon cycle in increasing order (from smallest to largest):
[volcanism] [rock weathering] [burning of fossil fuels] [dissolving from air into the oceans] [photosynthesis by land plants]
Which of the following most accurately shows the change in atmospheric CO2 concentration over the past 1000 years?
Atmospheric CO2 stays constant at around 280 ppm until the 1800s, where it exponentially increases
The continuous instrumental record of the concentration of atmospheric CO2 began in [1958] at [Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii] when Earth's CO2 concentration was [315 ppm].
1958, Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, 315 ppm
Which of the following best describes our observations about the concentration of atmospheric CO2 obtained from direct measurements and ice core data for the past 1000 years of human history? a. The rate of CO2 increase since 1958 is unprecedented; however, concentrations similar to today's have occurred during the past 1000 years. b. Although alarming for potential climate change, neither the current CO2 concentration nor its rate of increase are without precedent over the past 1000 years. c. The current concentration of CO2 is unprecedented; however, rates of increase similar to today's have occurred during the past 1000 years. d. Both the current CO2 concentration and its rate of increase are without precedent over the past 1000 years.
The correct answer is: Both the current CO2 concentration and its rate of increase are without precedent over the past 1000 years.
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per country" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Select the relevant Fuel in the FUEL drop-down menu to answer the question. Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view in the graph; or select "Table" to see a list of countries. Which country was the highest per country source of greenhouse gas emissions from using coal in 2019? a. India b. United States c. Mongolia d. Japan e. China f. Russia g. Poland h. Japan
The correct answer is: China
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per country" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view. You can move the slider at the bottom of the chart to start at another year than 1750. You can also switch from "Chart" to "Table" to see a list view that you can sort from largest to smallest. Order the following countries or bloc from greatest to least in terms of per capita CO2 emissions in the year 2000 (roughly the year many of you were born).
The correct answer is: Greatest [USA] [Russia] [Japan] [EU‑28] [China] Least. [India]
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per capita" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Select the relevant Fuel in the FUEL drop-down menu to answer the question. Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view in the graph; or select "Table" to see a list of countries. Which country was the highest per capita source of greenhouse gas emissions from using coal in 2019? a. Russia b. Japan c. India d. China e. Poland f. United States g. Mongolia h. Japan
The correct answer is: Mongolia
How do we know that burning of fossil fuels is the main cause of the increase in atmospheric CO2 over the past 200 years? a. The pace and timing of increased human use of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution matches the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations b. The ratio of 13C to 12C in atmospheric CO2 has been decreasing for the past several decades, which is best explained by 13C-poor CO2 released by burning fossil fuels c. The amount of 14C in atmospheric CO2 decreased since the start of the Industrial Revolution, which is consistent with release of very old CO2 from burning of fossil fuels that are millions of years old
The correct answer is: The ratio of 13C to 12C in atmospheric CO2 has been decreasing for the past several decades, which is best explained by 13C-poor CO2 released by burning fossil fuels
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per country" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Select the relevant Fuel in the FUEL drop-down menu to answer the question. Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view in the graph; or select "Table" to see a list of countries. Which country was the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions from using natural gas in 2019? a. United States b. Japan c. India d. Russia e. China
The correct answer is: United States
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per country" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Select the relevant Fuel in the FUEL drop-down menu to answer the question. Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view in the graph; or select "Table" to see a list of countries.Which country was the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions from using oil in 2019? a. Russia b. United States c. India d. Japan e. China
The correct answer is: United States
What unprecedented event occurred high at the center of the Greenland Ice Sheet in August 2021? a. a blizzard with record snowfall b. temperatures in the 50s Fahrenheit c. nesting of endangered sea birds d. a migration of musk ox e. rainfall
The correct answer is: rainfall
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per capita", Fuel is set to "total" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view in the graph; or select "Table" to see a list of countries: specifically examine Australia, Japan, Germany, China, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. For these 8 countries, when did the United Kingdom cease to be the largest per capita emitter of CO2 (choose closest year)? Select one: a. 1850 b. 1950 c. 2000 d. 1900 e. 1980 f. 2020 g.1800
The correct answer is: 1900
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "CO2 by fuel" tab. Scroll down to the second graph "CO2 emissions by fuel type". Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view. In which year did CO2 emissions from natural gas surpass those from burning coal in the United States? Select one: a. 1952 b. 2019 c. 2016 d. 1986 e. 2006
The correct answer is: 2016
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "CO2 emissions" tab.What was the rate of global CO2 emissions in 1950 for the world as a whole (choose the closest answer)? Select one: a. 36.4 billion tonnes b. 4.1 billion tonnes c. 6.0 billion tonnes d. 18.5 billion tonnes
The correct answer is: 6.0 billion tonnes
What is a temperature proxy? Select one: a. An indirect means to estimate past temperatures based off other direct measurements of properties in tree rings, ice cores and sediments b. A mathematical model of past temperatures that uses complex statistical analyses c. A method to measure directly historic temperature with thermometers from the 1800s
The correct answer is: An indirect means to estimate past temperatures based off other direct measurements of properties in tree rings, ice cores and sediments
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per capita", Fuel is set to "total" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view in the graph; or select "Table" to see a list of countries: specifically examine Australia, Japan, Germany, China, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. For these 8 countries, which country has been approximately tied with the United States for the past 10 years as the largest per capita emitter of CO2 (choose closest year)? Select one: a. Germany b. China c. Russia d. the United Kingdom e. Australia f. India
The correct answer is: Australia
Over the past 10,000 years, the Earth has had climates that are: Select one: a. Consistently warmer than present b. Consistently colder than present c. Both warmer and colder than present
The correct answer is: Both warmer and colder than present
Most greenhouse gases have some concentration that occurs naturally, and some contribution that is anthropogenic. However, there is one group of GHGs that is entirely synthetic. Which of these greenhouse gases does NOT occur naturally on Earth? Select one: a. Nitrous oxide b. CFCs c. Methane d. carbon dioxide
The correct answer is: CFCs
How do atmospheric CO2 concentrations vary around the globe? Select one: a. CO2 concentrations are higher over the ocean than they are on land b.CO2 concentrations do not vary around the globe, with minor exceptions to this in urban and industrial regions. c. CO2 concentrations are higher at the equator and lower towards the poles
The correct answer is: CO2 concentrations do not vary around the globe, with minor exceptions to this in urban and industrial regions.
Which of the following most closely describes the range in concentrations of atmospheric CO2 during most of the Holocene (in other words, over the past 10,000 years of Earth's history) until the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s? Select one: a. CO2 remained within a +/- 0.1 ppm range b. CO2 remained within a +/- 1 ppm range c. CO2 remained within a +/- 10 ppm range d. CO2 concentrations varied by 100s of ppm
The correct answer is: CO2 remained within a +/- 10 ppm range
Ice cores contain water molecules that record [air temperature] of the past through the [oxygen and hydrogen isotopes]
air temperature, oxygen and hydrogen isotopes
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "Data Explorer" tab. Make sure that the COUNT on the graph is set to "per country" and that ACCOUNTING is set to "Production based". Click on +Add country to select different countries' data to view. You can also switch from "Chart" to "Table" to see a list view that you can sort from largest to smallest. Which country was the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019? Select one: a. Russia b. United States c. China d. India
The correct answer is: China
What distinguishes climate from weather? Select one: a. Climate is the current temperature in a region. b. Climate is the long-term expectations for temperature and precipitation patterns in a region. c. Climate is the seasonal temperature variations in a region.
The correct answer is: Climate is the long-term expectations for temperature and precipitation patterns in a region.
The website ourworldindata.org distinguishes between production based CO2 and consumption based CO2. This is described in the "CO2 emissions" tab. How is consumption based CO2 defined? Select one: a. Consumption based emissions are emissions created by only consumers and private citizens, not industry or government entities. b. Consumption based emissions includes emissions from products produced abroad and imported but not emissions of products produced domestically and exported c. Consumption based emissions include only emissions from food production and transportation.
The correct answer is: Consumption based emissions includes emissions from products produced abroad and imported but not emissions of products produced domestically and exported
Based on data from ourworldindata.org, is the United States currently increasing or decreasing per capita greenhouse gas emissions? Select one: a. Decreasing b. Increasing
The correct answer is: Decreasing
Which do you expect to have a higher 18O/16O ratio: winter snowfall or summer rainfall? Select one: a. The ratios should be equal b. The ratios may differ, but not systematically c. Higher in winter d. Higher in summer
The correct answer is: Higher in summer
What does it mean to have a "global average temperature"? Select one: a. It is the measured temperature of many places around the globe and averaged b. It is one location's temperature measured repeatedly and averaged
The correct answer is: It is the measured temperature of many places around the globe and averaged
Massachusetts has a long-term average annual temperature of 8.2 °C. Florida has a long-term average annual temperature of 21.2 °C. Last year (2020) the average temperature in Massachusetts was 10.4 °C, while in Florida it was 22.9 °C. Which state experienced the higher temperature anomaly last year? Select one: a. There is insufficient information to answer this question b. Massachusetts c. Florida d. They had the same temperature anomalies
The correct answer is: Massachusetts
Do changes in temperature correspond to change in CO2 over long time scales? Select one: a. Always b. Mostly no, but there are some CO2 changes that are not associated with temperature change c. Mostly yes, but there are some temperature changes that are not associated with CO2 d. Never
The correct answer is: Mostly yes, but there are some temperature changes that are not associated with CO2
Does melting of sea ice in the Arctic lead to a rise in sea level? Select one: a. Yes, but only a little bit b. Yes c. No d. Unknown at this time, more research is needed
The correct answer is: No
Has the warming that Earth experienced since 1880 been uniformly the same temperature change across the globe? Select one: a. No, high latitudes, especially the Arctic, are warming faster than the average b. No, the southern hemisphere is warming faster than the northern hemisphere c. Yes, the temperature increase is fairly consistent everywhere
The correct answer is: No, high latitudes, especially the Arctic, are warming faster than the average
Is 1000 years a typical snapshot in time, or does CO2 vary more widely if we look back further in time? Select one: a. No, past CO2 levels are more consistent b. Yes, the past 1,000 years are typical c. No, past CO2 levels vary more significantly
The correct answer is: No, past CO2 levels vary more significantly
What does it mean if a temperature anomaly has a negative value, for example "-2 °C"? Select one: a. That the temperature is lower in that place than in other places around the globe b. That the temperature is a lower value than the long term average c. That the temperature is below 0°C, the freezing point of water
The correct answer is: That the temperature is a lower value than the long term average
What is a geochemical cycle? Select one: a. The chemical process by which rocks are formed within the mantle b. The process through which an element is created and destroyed c. a system of physical, chemical, and biological processes that transport and transform the various forms of an element on our planet
The correct answer is: a system of physical, chemical, and biological processes that transport and transform the various forms of an element on our planet
This mission of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is to: Select one: a. create and enforce climate-related legislation and policies enacted by the United Nations b. assess the scientific, technical and socio-economic information related to climate change c. conduct original research on the climate system and climate change. d. collect and maintain a repository of weather data and climate-related information.
The correct answer is: assess the scientific, technical and socio-economic information related to climate change
Why is the CMIP project so important in our understanding of climate models? Select one: a. because it shows that regardless of any natural forcings, Earth's climate is only controlled by anthropogenic greenhouse gases. b. because it allows the international climate modeling community to discover which types of models and equations best recreate our past conditions c. because only CMIP members are allowed by the United Nations to make predictions about future climate change d. because this is the only example of collaboration among climate scientists
The correct answer is: because it allows the international climate modeling community to discover which types of models and equations best recreate our past conditions
The Arctic is [an ocean] surrounded by [land masses], while in contrast the Antarctic is [a continent] surrounded by [oceans]
an ocean, land masses, a continent, oceans
Why are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) called Greenhouse Gases? Select one: a. because they are transparent to infrared radiation but opaque to visiible light b. because they are commonly added to the air in greenhouses c. because they emit a green light when exposed to infrared radiation d. because they absorb and re-radiate infrared radiation
The correct answer is: because they absorb and re-radiate infrared radiation
Go to https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions and select the "CO2 by fuel" tab. Scroll down to the second graph "CO2 emissions by fuel type". Click on "Change Country" to select different countries' data to view. Which fuel was responsible for the most CO2 emissions from India for the year 2019? Select one: a. cement b. oil c. flaring d. coal e. gas
The correct answer is: coal
What does the term anthropogenic mean? Select one: a. created or caused by human activities b. only found on other planets c. only detected in places of high human population d. naturally occurring
The correct answer is: created or caused by human activities
Which is the largest carbon store on the Earth? Select one: a. dissolved in the oceans b. in marine biota c. in the atmosphere
The correct answer is: dissolved in the oceans
What does high albedo mean in terms of how much solar energy is absorbed by the Earth and its atmosphere? Select one: a. high albedo means that a smaller percentage of solar energy is absorbed by Earth and its atmosphere b. albedo does not affect how much solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth and its atmosphere c. high albedo means that a greater percentage of solar energy is absorbed by Earth and its atmosphere
The correct answer is: high albedo means that a smaller percentage of solar energy is absorbed by Earth and its atmosphere
Which of the following has the highest albedo? Select one: a. agricultural lands with vigorously-growing crops such as wheat, rice or corn b. ice and snow, such as sea ice in the Arctic and ice sheets in Antarctica c. the open ocean far away from continents and shoreline d. bare rocky land, such as found in desert regions
The correct answer is: ice and snow, such as sea ice in the Arctic and ice sheets in Antarctica
Higher CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere result in higher temperatures, which in turn slows photosynthesis and reduces rates of CO2 uptake by the terrestrial biosphere. Is this a positive feedback or a negative feedback? Select one: a. negative feedback, because the overall system experiences a reduced change as the feedback operates b. negative feedback, because higher CO2 results in a lower mass of the terrestrial biosphere c. positive feedback, because the overall system increases in CO2 concentration as this feedback operates d. positive feedback, because the concentration and uptake rates are both going higher
The correct answer is: positive feedback, because the overall system increases in CO2 concentration as this feedback operates
Climate models are tools to predict future climate change. Models that [accurately recreate past climate conditions] are more reliable to predict future climates.
accurately recreate past climate conditions