01.2 - Climate, Weather and Life (10pts.)

The three main gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere are ​ (a)   , methane, and water vapor. They contribute to the​ (b)   ​ effect, which makes Earth’s temperatures warmer than they would be otherwise.

• carbon dioxide

• hydrogen

• nitrogen

• oxygen

• greenhouse

• ecosystem

• climate

Answer explanation

The correct choices are carbon dioxide and greenhouse. These gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and warmer temperatures.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which is a description of climate, and not the weather?

• Summer is wetter and warmer than winter.

• A hurricane is likely to reach southeast Florida this afternoon.

• The air today is more humid than it was yesterday.

• No rain is likely to fall for the next week.

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes a long-term pattern of weather (climate) rather than a specific weather event like a hurricane or daily humidity changes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

An increase in the concentrations of greenhouse gases in Earth’s

atmosphere would have which of these effects on temperature?

• A decrease in the average temperature of Earth

• No change in temperature

• A increase in the average temperature of Earth

• Temperature would become unpredictable

Answer explanation

An increase in the concentrations of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere would lead to an increase in the average temperature of Earth.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

The Gulf Stream is a surface current in the Atlantic Ocean that flows

northward from the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It feeds another

current that reaches northern Europe. Which of these events would cause the

greatest permanent changes to the path and strength of the Gulf Stream?

• a strong earthquake that occurs on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean

• an increase in the volume of river water that flows into the Gulf of Mexico

• a reversal of direction in the prevailing winds over the Atlantic Ocean

• a slight increase in the salinity of the Atlantic Ocean

Answer explanation

A reversal of direction in the prevailing winds over the Atlantic Ocean would cause the greatest permanent changes to the path and strength of the Gulf Stream.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The diagram shows that the upwind side of a mountain range tends to

receive more precipitation than the downwind side of a mountain range. Which statement is MOST useful for explaining this observation?

• Prevailing winds flow from west to east.

• Water vapor condenses to form droplets of liquid water.

• Evaporation allows water vapor to rise through the air.

• Cold air holds less moisture than warm air.

Answer explanation

Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, leading to less precipitation on the downwind side of a mountain range.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Stuart is studying weather data for his region. The data was gathered

from 1950 to 2016. Which observation would provide the strongest evidence that

the CLIMATE of his region has changed during this time?

• Average annual rainfall for 1985-2016 increased by 20 percent compared to

  the previous 30 years.

• Total rainfall in 2014 was 30 percent greater compared to 1950.

• The lowest recorded temperature occurred in 1954.

• The highest recorded temperature occurred in 2016.

Answer explanation

The observation that the average annual rainfall for 1985-2016 increased by 20 percent compared to the previous 30 years provides the strongest evidence of climate change in the region over time.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Scientists cite evidence that Earth’s climate has been changing

significantly over the past 50 years. They also argue that changes to Earth’s

orbital path are NOT the cause of these significant changes to climate.

Which statement provides the strongest evidence in support of the scientists

argument?

• Variations in Earth’s orbital path are consistent with accepted laws of

  planetary motion.

• Earth’s orbital path does not affect the amount of solar energy that Earth

  receives.

• Changes to Earth’s orbital path occur in a cycle that repeats every 100,000

  years.

• Climate change cannot be demonstrated over a span of 50 years.

Answer explanation

The statement that changes to Earth’s orbital path occur in a cycle that repeats every 100,000 years supports the scientists' argument that orbital path changes are not the cause of recent significant climate changes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5