Unit 3 Atmosphere and Hydrosphere Test Review

One factor that explains an increase in Earth's temperature is an increase in the amount of energy that Earth receives. Which of the following would result in an increase in energy received by Earth?

• an increase in ocean circulation

• an increase in solar output

• a volcanic eruption

• a shift in tectonic plates

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Which statement BEST explains the trend in atmospheric temperature increasing between 1950 and 2000?

• The Sun’s radiation output decreased during this time.

• Human activity resulted in an increase in the atmosphere’s ability to retain radiation.

• Urban sprawl and deforestation increased the amount of solar energy reflected back into space.

• Coal burning increased the amount of air pollution, which led to a decrease in the absorption of solar radiation.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

The following three phenomena have the ability to contribute to climate change:

- Deforestation: Deforestation releases CO₂, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. When trees are burned or when they are left to rot, they release their stored CO₂ reserves.

- Volcanoes: When volcanoes erupt, they emit greenhouse gases such as CO₂, SO₂, and HCl into the atmosphere. In addition, volcanic eruptions inject ash and other particulates that can block the Sun’s energy from entering the atmosphere.

- Sunspots: The Sun’s energy output is fairly stable, with variations of only 0.1% over its 11-year cycle. When the number of sunspots increase, heat radiation from the Sun’s surface increases in some regions. When the number of sunspots decrease, heat radiation from the Sun’s surface decreases.

A dip in temperature that begins in the year 2100 could best be explained by.....

• volcanic eruptions

• rapid deforestation

• an increase in the number of sunspots

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

According to a graph, between 1970 and 2000 the average temperature of Earth increased. Select ALL of the following that were the MOST LIKELY causes of the increasing temperature during that period.

• a shift in Earth's axial tilt

• increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

• increased solar output

• changes in the orbit of Earth around the sun

• a small volcanic eruption

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

If warming trends continue, which of the following could happen to the glacial ecosystem? Choose ALL that apply. Pick up to 5 answers.

• Glacial loss will cool parts of the ecosystem, but because overall temperatures are warmer, precipitation will increase. Increased rain will raise stream and lake levels and increase fish populations.

• Glaciers will melt into nearby bodies of water. The water levels will rise and create an overall cooling effect on the ecosystem, resulting in a net zero temperature change. The fish population will be unaffected.

• Glacial runoff will begin earlier in the year, and as a result, streams will also warm earlier. Warmer streams will affect native fish populations.

• Glaciers will melt into nearby oceans, causing the salt levels of the ocean to go down. This will increase the available habitat for fish and cause an increase in the nearby population.

• Glacial melt and warmer temperatures will increase humidity levels in the ecosystem. This will decrease fish populations that thrive in colder climates.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

According to the graph, in which year did carbon emissions first raise the global heat content of the oceans above the 1971-2000 average?

• 1962

• 1980

• 1987

• 2000

What are TWO effects of an increase in carbon emissions? Pick up to 5 answers.

• There is an increase in the global atmospheric temperature.

• There is a decrease in emissions from burning oil.

• There is a decrease in ice coverage of the oceans.

• There is a decrease in the global ocean heat content.

• There is an increase in the size of the polar ice caps.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

The oceans warm as carbon emissions and global temperatures increase. Which statement BEST describes if the feedback system in ocean heat content is positive or negative?

• The feedback is negative because a warmer atmosphere causes the oceans to cool, increasing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

• The feedback is negative because a warmer atmosphere causes the oceans to cool, reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

• The feedback is positive because a warmer atmosphere causes the oceans to warm, reducing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

• The feedback is positive because a warmer atmosphere causes the oceans to warm, increasing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Fill in the blank to complete the statements about the climate feedback system. If the use of fossil fuels continues, there will be an increase in global ocean heat content. This is a destabilizing feedback system. If the use of fossil fuels decreases, there will be a __________in global ocean heat content. This is a stabilizing feedback system.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Air masses are classified based on their temperature and humidity. The diagram shows air masses that impact the United States. Fill in the blank to classify the air mass designated by letter A.

Air mass A is maritime because it originates over water. It is tropical because it originates near the __________.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5