Unit 6 NYT Climate Data Analysis II

What does the dashed line represent in the graph?

• The sea surface temperature on July 31, 2023

• The average sea surface temperature from 1982-2022

• The temperature on January 1st, 2023

• The 1991-2020 average sea surface temperature

Answer explanation

The dashed line in the graph represents the 1991-2020 average sea surface temperature, providing a benchmark for comparison against the current temperatures shown in the graph.

What does the blue line (top) in the graph represent?

• The temperature average for 1982-2022

• 
  The global sea temperature for December

• The sea surface temperature on July 31, 2023

• The temperature for the year 1991

Answer explanation

The blue line represents the sea surface temperature on July 31, 2023, as indicated by the specific date in the answer choice. The other options refer to averages or different time frames, making them incorrect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the temperature on July 31, 2023 compare to the 1991-2020 average?

• It is lower than the average

• 
  It is slightly higher than the average

• It is equal to the average

• It is much higher than the average

Answer explanation

On July 31, 2023, the temperature was slightly higher than the 1991-2020 average, indicating a minor increase rather than a significant deviation.

What is the trend of the temperature lines from 1982 to 2022?

• The temperatures have increased over time.

• 
  The temperatures have decreased steadily.

• The temperatures have remained constant.

• There is no change in the temperature trend.

Answer explanation

The trend from 1982 to 2022 shows a clear increase in temperatures, indicating a warming climate over this period. Therefore, the correct choice is that the temperatures have increased over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which component has the largest heat accumulation over time?

• Ice

• Land

• Ocean

• Atmosphere

Answer explanation

The ocean has the largest heat capacity of all components, absorbing and storing more heat over time than ice, land, or the atmosphere. This makes it the primary reservoir for heat accumulation on Earth.

By 2020, what is the approximate heat accumulation in the ocean, according to the graph?

• 50 zettajoules

• 150 zettajoules

• 250 zettajoules

• 350 zettajoules

Answer explanation

The graph indicates that by 2020, the ocean has accumulated approximately 350 zettajoules of heat, making this the correct choice among the options provided.

One time in recent history, there was a noticeable dip in ocean heat, which resulted from a combination of natural climate phenomena and changes in ocean circulation rather than from any long-term decrease in global temperatures. Which time period was it?

• Late 1960's

• late 1980's

• Late 1990's

• Late 2000's

Answer explanation

The noticeable dip in ocean heat during the late 1960's was attributed to natural climate phenomena and changes in ocean circulation, not a long-term decrease in global temperatures, making this the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Which component contributed the least to the total heat accumulation by 2020?

• Ocean

• Land

• Atmosphere

• Ice

Answer explanation

By 2020, the ice component contributed the least to total heat accumulation compared to the ocean, land, and atmosphere, which absorbed significantly more heat due to their larger volumes and heat capacities.

What does the dotted line represent in the graph?

• • The average sea ice extent for 2023.

• • The average sea ice extent from 1979 to 2010.

• • The max sea ice extent in the Southern Hemisphere

• • The minimum sea ice extent in the Southern Hemisphere

Answer explanation

The dotted line represents the average sea ice extent from 1979 to 2010, providing a historical baseline for comparison with current sea ice levels.

How does the Antarctic sea ice extent typically change over the course of the year?

• • It increases in winter and decreases in summer.

• • It remains constant throughout the year.

• • It fluctuates randomly.

• • It increases during the summer and decreases during the winter.

Answer explanation

Antarctic sea ice extent increases during the winter months due to colder temperatures, leading to more ice formation, and decreases in summer as temperatures rise, causing ice to melt.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6