Climate Quiz 8

How do cows contribute to global warming? Choose the most scientifically accurate answer.

• Cows eat all the plants that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

• Cows release methane during digestion.

• Cows do not cause global warming, people do.

• Raising cattle uses land that could be used to grow trees.

• Cows drive Hummers when farmers aren’t looking.

Answer explanation

Cows contribute to global warming primarily by releasing methane during digestion, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly impacts climate change.

Which set of processes use oxygen and release carbon dioxide to the air?

• plant and animal respiration.

• animal respiration and using natural gas.

• volcanic eruptions and weathering rocks.

• photosynthesis and cow digestion.

• photosynthesis and decaying leaves.

Answer explanation

Animal respiration uses oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Using natural gas also consumes oxygen and emits carbon dioxide during combustion, making this the correct choice.

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As the climate cools, ice sheets grow larger. Ice reflects solar radiation, and so the Earth absorbs less heat. This results in the Earth becoming cooler, which leads to more ice forming. This is an example of:

• a positive feedback loop.

• a negative feedback loop.

• the Greenhouse Effect.

• a climate proxy.

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates a positive feedback loop, where increased ice leads to more reflection of solar radiation, causing further cooling and more ice formation, thus amplifying the initial effect.

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Weathering uses up carbon dioxide, which causes the temperature to drop. When the temperature drops, weathering rates slow down, using up less carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide increases and temperatures start to rise. This is an example of:

• a positive feedback loop.

• a negative feedback loop.

• the Greenhouse Effect.

• the Erosion Effect.

• the Coriolis Effect.

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates a negative feedback loop, where weathering reduces carbon dioxide, lowering temperatures, which in turn slows weathering and allows carbon dioxide levels to rise again, stabilizing the system.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

People living in China and India are buying more cars as they get better jobs and earn more money. Previously, many Chinese and Indian citizens used bicycles and trains for transportation. How will their change in transportation affect global climate?

• Global temperatures might decrease, because the large vehicles will absorb less heat than the surrounding land.

• Global temperatures could increase, since more carbon dioxide will be added to the atmosphere.

• There will be no effect on global climate, just on demand for cars.

• Rainfall will probably increase, since more carbon dioxide will be added to the atmosphere.

• The populations are increasing so rapidly that human body heat will increase global temperatures.

Answer explanation

As more people in China and India buy cars, carbon dioxide emissions will rise due to increased fossil fuel use, leading to a potential increase in global temperatures. Thus, the correct choice is that global temperatures could increase.

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Paving land to increase development in cities contributes to:

• lower temperature readings.

• a reduction in greenhouse gases.

• satellite interference.

• the heat-island effect.

Answer explanation

Paving land increases heat absorption and reduces vegetation, leading to higher temperatures in urban areas. This phenomenon is known as the heat-island effect, making it the correct answer.

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Which of the following factors is likely NOT included in computer climate models?

• phases of the moon

• methane

• orbital variations

• carbon dioxide

• global temperature

Answer explanation

Computer climate models focus on greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, global temperatures, and orbital variations. The phases of the moon do not significantly impact climate, making it the factor likely NOT included.

The ways that different factors interact in global climate are called:

• feedback loops.

• orbital variations.

• insolation.

• climate models.

• heat-island effects.

Answer explanation

Feedback loops describe how different factors in the climate system interact, amplifying or dampening changes. This makes them crucial for understanding global climate dynamics, unlike the other options listed.

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How can climate models be tested using historical data?

• Determine if there used to be global warming.

• Determine greenhouse gas levels over time.

• Find out if they predict present-day climate.

• Find out when the next snowstorm will hit Everett.

Answer explanation

Climate models can be tested by comparing their predictions with actual climate data. The correct choice, 'Find out if they predict present-day climate,' assesses the model's accuracy in reflecting current conditions.

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In the Pacific Northwest, warmer global temperatures would NOT lead to:

• more extreme weather events.

• the North Atlantic Deep Water decreasing.

• increased precipitation.

• southward agricultural shift.

Answer explanation

In the Pacific Northwest, warmer global temperatures would likely lead to increased precipitation and more extreme weather events. A southward agricultural shift is less likely, as the region may become more suitable for agriculture due to warming.

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