Chapter 6 Test

Front

What is the period over which one complete cycle of the precession of Earth's wobble occurs?

Back

23,000 years

Front

How does the higher albedo of snow and ice contribute to the cooling trend during the coinciding Milankovitch cycles?

Back

It reflects more light energy into space.

Front

Since 1960, how has the total amount of Earth’s glacial ice changed?

Back

It has declined at a faster rate between 1995-2005 than it did between 1965-1975.

Front

What does a higher percentage of left-coiling N. pachyderma in ocean sediment layer indicate about past ocean temperatures?

Back

The temperature of the ocean water in the past has not remained constant.

Front

Which describes the most circular shape for a planet’s orbit around the Sun?

Back

Low eccentricity.

Front

Define precession in the context of Earth's movement.

Back

Precession is the gradual shift in the orientation of Earth's axis of rotation.

Front

What is albedo and why is it important in climate science?

Back

Albedo is the measure of reflectivity of a surface; it affects how much solar energy is absorbed or reflected by Earth.

Front

Explain the Milankovitch cycles.

Back

Milankovitch cycles are long-term variations in Earth's orbit and axial tilt that affect climate patterns.

Front

What is the significance of glacial ice volume in understanding climate change?

Back

Changes in glacial ice volume indicate shifts in global temperatures and climate conditions.

Front

What does high eccentricity in an orbit indicate?

Back

High eccentricity indicates a more elongated and less circular orbit.