9.3, 9.5, and 9.5 Topic Questions

Which of the following types of releases of greenhouse gases from an anthropogenic source is shown in the diagram?

• Volcanic eruptions emitting CO2 into the atmosphere

• Release of VOCs from tree species and motor vehicles into the atmosphere

• Industrial and agricultural practices releasing CH4 into the atmosphere

• Evaporation of surface water increasing H2O vapor in the atmosphere

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Based on the diagram, which of the following best illustrates how the biosphere can affect global climate change?

• Glaciers and snow reflect back the Sun’s energy, decreasing the amount of sunlight absorbed and decreasing the surface temperature.

• Greater amounts of incoming UV radiation reach Earth when the ozone is depleted, increasing the rates of skin cancer and cataracts in humans.

• Producers use solar energy for photosynthesis, decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and increasing the amount of carbon sequestered in plant tissue.

• Warmer atmospheric temperatures decrease cloud cover, reducing the volume of global precipitation.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Based on the diagram, which of the following best predicts how an increase in greenhouse gases would affect the ocean?

• The oceans would be warmed because of increased solar radiation being absorbed by the water, causing expansion and sea level rise.

• The oceans would be cooled from melting ice caps and glaciers, causing an increase in ocean currents and sea level rise.

• The oceans would absorb the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, causing an increase in ocean pH and a decrease in temperature.

• The oceans would have greater rates of evaporation from increased surface water temperatures, causing a decrease in the amount of nutrients in the water and a decrease in sea level.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

The map reflects the difference in annual surface temperature from 2011 to 2017 in relation to 2000 to 2010. The scatterplot reflects the average change in surface temperature by latitude from 2011 to 2017 in relation to 2000 to 2010.

Based on the data above, which of the following best supports the hypothesis that the Arctic (latitudes greater than 66° N) experienced accelerated warming compared to the rest of the planet from 2011 to 2017?

• The smallest average surface-temperature change occurred at about −80° latitude in the Antarctic.

• The largest areas with surface-temperature changes greater than a 4° C increase are found in the Arctic.

• Northern Australia warmed more than the ocean off the west coast of Australia did.

• The average surface-temperature change at the equator was about a 0.6° C increase.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

The map reflects the difference in annual surface temperature from 2011 to 2017 in relation to 2000 to 2010. The scatterplot reflects the average change in surface temperature by latitude from 2011 to 2017 in relation to 2000 to 2010.

Based on the data above, which of the following is the most likely conclusion of a study addressing the following scientific question. What will happen to methane levels in the atmosphere at 60° N to 75° N latitude from 2018 to 2027 if the trend from 2011 to 2017 continues?

• Methane levels in the atmosphere will increase because of increased growth of producers at latitudes greater than 60° N.

• Methane levels in the atmosphere will increase because melting or thawing permafrost will lead to an increase in the amount of organic matter that will decompose.

• Methane levels in the atmosphere will decrease because melting sea ice will increase transportation in the ocean by ships at latitudes greater than 60° N.

• Methane levels in the atmosphere will decrease because oil and gas exploration will increase as permafrost continues to melt or thaw.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Sixty-five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are made up of carbon dioxide, while only sixteen percent are made up of methane gas. Which of the following best explains why scientists are increasingly concerned about the effect of methane gas emissions on global climate if they are a relatively small percent of greenhouse gases released?

• Methane gas is a synthetic compound released from anthropogenic sources, while carbon dioxide is naturally occurring.

• Methane gas has a higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide does, so it can trap more heat in the atmosphere.

• Methane gas has a longer average residence time (ART) than carbon dioxide does in the atmosphere.

• Methane gas is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can combine with ozone to produce photochemical smog, but carbon dioxide is not classified as a volatile organic compound.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

The map reflects the difference in annual surface temperature from 2011 to 2017 in relation to 2000 to 2010. The scatterplot reflects the average change in surface temperature by latitude from 2011 to 2017 in relation to 2000 to 2010.

Based on the data above, which of the following hypotheses about the future conditions in the Arctic is most plausible if the trend seen from 2011 to 2017 continues?

• The albedo will increase.

• The amount of carbon dioxide released from combustion of fossil fuels will decrease.

• The population of specialist species, such as polar bears, will increase

• The amount of solar energy radiated back into space will increase.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Which of the following best describes why water vapor, a greenhouse gas, is not considered a significant contributor to global climate change?

• The concentration of water vapor is very low compared to the other gases.

• Water vapor is inefficient at absorbing heat and does not absorb much of the infrared spectrum.

• Water vapor has a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere.

• Trees and other organisms naturally release water vapor during the process of decomposition.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect on Earth?

• Greenhouse gases trap heat near Earth’s surface, keeping the average surface temperature constant.

• Greenhouse gases create a relatively warm inversion layer, which traps pollutants near Earth’s surface.

• Greenhouse gases filter out UV-B and UV-C radiation, shielding living things from harmful solar radiation.

• Greenhouse gases are emitted from human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and agricultural practices.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5