Natural Events and Climate Assessment

How can a large meteor impact influence the Earth's climate?

• A. by creating large waves in the ocean

• B. by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere

• C. by throwing dust and particles into the atmosphere, which can block sunlight.

What is the role of greenhouse gases in the Earth's climate?

• A. They help keep the Earth’s temperature stable by trapping heat.

• B. They reflect sunlight away from the Earth, causing cooling.

• C. They are released only during volcanic eruptions.

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How can changes in ocean currents influence climate?

• A. They can change temperature patterns, making some areas warmer and others cooler.

• B. They have no impact on the climate.

• C. They only affect the weather in coastal areas.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the release of sulfur dioxide during a volcanic eruption affect the climate?

• A. It makes the oceans warmer.

• B. It forms tiny particles in the atmosphere that reflect sunlight, leading to cooling.

• C. It causes the Earth to warm by absorbing more sunlight.

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Increased melting ice in Greenland, marked by the star, has caused lots of fresh, cold water to disrupt the Gulf Stream. Which location on the map is most likely to experience a colder climate as a result?

• Location A

• Location B

• Location C

• Location D

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Based on scientific evidence, which of the following statements are true about how volcanic eruptions affect climate? Select ALL that apply.

• Volcanic eruptions always make the Earth warmer.

• The ash and gases from eruptions can block sunlight, causing the Earth to cool.

• The release of sulfur dioxide during eruptions can form tiny particles that reflect sunlight.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Based on scientific evidence, which of the following statements correctly describes these influences? Select ALL that apply.

• Changes in ocean currents can affect global climate patterns, such as causing warmer or cooler temperatures in different regions.

• The absorption of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, helps keep the Earth's temperature stable.

• An increase in greenhouse gases can lead to global warming by trapping more heat in the atmosphere.

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In science class, two students, are discussing how volcanic eruptions can impact the

climate.

Emily: I think volcanic eruptions cause short-term cooling because when a volcano

erupts, it releases a lot of ash and gases into the atmosphere. This ash and the gas,

like sulfur dioxide, block some of the Sun's rays, making the Earth cooler for a while.

Jake: I agree that volcanic eruptions can cause cooling, but I think they also have a

long-term effect. The ash and gases can stay in the atmosphere for many months,

even years, spreading around the world and continuing to block sunlight. This means

the cooling effect can last a long time, not just for a short period.

How do volcanic eruptions impact the climate in the short term?

• They cause long-lasting global warming.

• They lead to immediate long-term cooling.

• They cause short-term cooling by blocking sunlight with ash and gases.

In science class, two students, are discussing how volcanic eruptions can impact the

climate.

Emily: I think volcanic eruptions cause short-term cooling because when a volcano

erupts, it releases a lot of ash and gases into the atmosphere. This ash and the gas,

like sulfur dioxide, block some of the Sun's rays, making the Earth cooler for a while.

Jake: I agree that volcanic eruptions can cause cooling, but I think they also have a

long-term effect. The ash and gases can stay in the atmosphere for many months,

even years, spreading around the world and continuing to block sunlight. This means

the cooling effect can last a long time, not just for a short period.

What evidence supports how the volcanic eruption impacts climate?

• Volcanic eruptions release substances that can quickly influence atmospheric conditions, resulting in temporary cooling.

• Volcanic eruptions lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases, causing global cooling.

• Volcanic eruptions primarily affect local weather patterns, causing temporary warming in the surrounding areas.

Students see data showing a 3-degree Celsius drop in average temperatures on the

northwestern coast of Canada following a meteorite impact. This cooling lasted for two

months before temperatures returned to normal, similar to the previous year's averages.

Using the map, students make a statement as to what changes are likely to occur to the climate in the region. Which student’s statement best explains the likely cause of this short-term cooling?

• Sofia's statement about a meteorite impact, because it suggests a temporary cooling due to dust blocking sunlight.

• Leo's statement about disrupted warm ocean currents, because it explains long-term regional changes.

• Both Sofia's and Leo's statements, because both meteorite impacts and ocean currents can cause short-term cooling.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5