2.2.2 Climate change and the incidence and severity of weather

What does the NASA model simulation predict about precipitation events?

• Fewer moderate events and more extreme events

• No change in precipitation patterns

• More moderate events and fewer extreme events

• Increased annual precipitation in all regions

According to the IPCC, what defines an extreme precipitation event?

• Any event that occurs in a drought-prone area

• Any event that causes flooding

• The top 90% or bottom 10% of all precipitation events

• The top 50% of all precipitation events

What has been the trend in extreme precipitation events from 1951 to 2010?

• Remained constant

• Increased only in dry regions

• Increased by 1-2% every 10 years

• Decreased by 1-2% every 10 years

What is one consequence of increased atmospheric moisture due to global warming?

• More evenly distributed rainfall

• Longer and more frequent droughts

• Heavier, shorter, and less frequent precipitation events

• Decreased storm activity

What factor contributes to flooding during extreme precipitation events?

• Deforestation decreasing rainfall

• Urbanization reducing overland flow

• Increased evaporation rates

• High-intensity rainfall filling natural water stores

What is a significant cause of drought linked to global climate change?

• Increased snowfall

• Increased storm activity

• Higher temperatures causing increased evaporation

• More evenly distributed rainfall

What has been observed regarding extreme temperature events?

• They are increasing in number and length

• They are only occurring in tropical regions

• They are decreasing in frequency

• They are becoming less severe

What is the impact of global climate change on record high temperatures?

• More record highs being set than lows

• Fewer record highs being set

• More record lows than highs

• No impact on temperature records

What happens to the freeze dates of lakes and rivers in the northern hemisphere?

• They have no significant change

• They are occurring earlier in the year

• They are occurring later in the year

• They are freezing for longer periods

What is one of the economic implications of extreme weather events?

• Increased agricultural yields

• Higher costs for disaster response and recovery

• Lower insurance premiums

• More stable weather patterns