Climate change chapter 16 Systems class

If Earth did not have an atmosphere, most of the energy from the sun would

• be reflected back into space.

• be absorbed by Earth’s oceans.

• be absorbed by Earth’s landmasses.

• never reach Earth’s surface.

What is the main cause for global wind patterns?

• currents in the ocean affect the air above it

• unequal heating of different parts of Earth

• differences in elevation on different landmasses

• greenhouse gases

What happens as a result of the ocean’s absorption of carbon dioxide?

• It increases precipitation.

• It slows down prevailing winds.

• It causes a cooling effect.

• It speeds up ocean currents.

Global warming refers specifically to an increase in

• the number of storms on Earth.

• precipitation from Earth’s atmosphere.

• temperatures everywhere on Earth.

• Earth’s average surface temperature.

Scientists determine current climate conditions by

• making direct measurements.

• creating computer models.

• examining ice cores.

• using proxy indicators.

What is the biggest danger posed by global warming to people living in coastal areas?

• increased precipitation

• increased acidity of sea water

• lack of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• rising sea level

The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or group is responsible is known as a

• carbon sequestration.

• carbonic acid.

• carbon offset.

• carbon footprint.

Which action can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by driving?

• taking more trips by car each day

• driving gasoline-powered automobiles

• using public transportation

• living farther from the workplace

How can the planting of new trees help reduce climate change?

• Trees help create breezes.

• Trees release moisture that cools the atmosphere.

• Trees take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.

• Trees block the release of greenhouse gases from soil.

Gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide that trap heat near Earth are known as

• greenhouse gases.

• global gases.

• proxy gases.

• offset gases.