Climate Change

What is global warming?

• Rise in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans

• Rise in temperature of areas near equator only

• Rise in temperature of areas near poles only

• None of the above

Of the 0.8 C change in average temperature since the early 20th century, what fraction has occurred since 1980?

• 1/10

• 1/5

• 1/3

• 2/3

What is climate?

• Day to day changes in weather

• Week to week changes in weather

• Month to month changes in weather

• Long term changes in weather

What is climate change?

• Short term change in weather patterns

• Change in weather patterns over one year

• Significant and lasting change in weather patterns

Climate change automatically mean warmer climate

• True

• False

What do scientists have to measure changes in Earth’s geologic past?

• Direct temperature readings

• Climate proxies

• Eyewitness accounts by cavemen

Select climate proxies used by scientists

• Tree rings

• Ice cores

• Ocean core skeletal bands

• Thermometer readings

Sea levels fall during glacial ages and rise during interglacial periods. What does this tell us indirectly?

• Temperatures were lower during glacial periods, allowing ice to build up

• Temperatures were higher during glacial periods, allowing ice to melt

Which of these is NOT a solar radiation reaching the Earth that can affect climate?

• Sunspot cycle

• Luminosity of Sun

• Color of light from Sun

• Changes in Earth's orbit

Which of these are sources of CO₂?

• Respiring organisms

• Burning fossil fuels

• Plants making food

• Melting ice sheet