Climate Science/Logic Unit Quiz

Which is the best definition of a positive feedback loop in the climate system?

• A change in the climate system leads to a response which accelerates climate change. 
• A change in the climate system leads to a response which slows climate change.
• A change in the climate system leads to a response which stabilizes climate change. 

Which of the following will occur if the amount of ice floating in the ocean decreases?

• More sunlight will be reflected back into space and the Earth's temperature will increase. 
• More sunlight will be reflected back into space and the Earth's temperature will decrease.
• Less sunlight will be reflected back into space and the Earth's temperature will increase.
• More sunlight will be reflected back into space and the Earth's temperature will decrease.

Which of the following is the best definition of a greenhouse gas?

• An atmospheric gas which absorbs infrared radiation.
• An atmospheric gas which absorbs ultraviolet radiation
• An atmospheric gas produced by growing plants.

How has the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere changed since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 1850's?

• The amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere has remained about the same. 
• The amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere has increased by 40% since the 1880's. 
• The amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere has decreased by 22% since the 1880's. 

Atmospheric CO_2, in ppm (parts per million) has not exceeded 289 ppm in 650,000 years, until now. 

• True
• False

Atmospheric CO₂ is now over 407 ppm.

• True

• False

Which of the following best describes how plants take in carbon dioxide?

• They take it in from rain. 
• They take it in from water absorbed through their roots. 
• They take it in from the atmosphere through their leaves. 
• They take it in from the soil through their roots. 

Which of the following statements about the greenhouse effect on Earth is most accurate?

• The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's temperatures stable. 
• The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's temperatures cool.
• The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's surface and oceans from freezing.

Which of the following would most likely occur if the oceans stopped absorbing carbon dioxide?

• Atmospheric CO₂ would increase.
• Atmospheric CO₂ would decrease.
• Atmospheric CO₂ would remain the same.

How much of the extra atmospheric CO₂ from fossil fuel burning has been absorbed by the oceans?

• About 25% of the extra.
• About 90% of the extra.
• About 10% of the extra.
• None.