Quiz on Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

What agricultural practice contributes to methane emissions?

• Rice cultivation

• Wheat farming

• Corn harvesting

• Soybean planting

Answer explanation

Rice cultivation contributes to methane emissions due to anaerobic conditions in flooded fields, which promote methane-producing bacteria. This makes it a significant source of methane compared to other crops listed.

What is the effect of the decay of organic waste in landfills?

• It reduces methane levels

• It produces methane

• It increases oxygen levels

• It decreases carbon dioxide

Answer explanation

The decay of organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, due to anaerobic decomposition. This process occurs in low-oxygen environments typical of landfills.

What scientific concept explains how gases like CO₂ trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere?

• Photosynthesis

• The greenhouse effect

• The water cycle

• The carbon cycle

Answer explanation

The greenhouse effect explains how gases like CO₂ trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space and thus warming the planet. This is crucial for maintaining a habitable climate.

What is a positive feedback cycle in the context of global warming?

• A cycle that reduces warming

• A cycle that amplifies warming

• A cycle that has no effect

• A cycle that reverses warming

Answer explanation

A positive feedback cycle in global warming refers to processes that amplify warming. For example, melting ice reduces the Earth's reflectivity, leading to more heat absorption and further warming, thus reinforcing the cycle.

What happens to permafrost as temperatures rise?

• It remains frozen

• It thaws

• It expands

• It becomes colder

Answer explanation

As temperatures rise, permafrost thaws due to increased heat, leading to the release of greenhouse gases and changes in the landscape. Therefore, the correct answer is that it thaws.

What is the relationship between CO₂ levels and global temperature increases?

• No relationship

• Causal link supported by evidence

• Inverse relationship

• Unrelated phenomena

Answer explanation

There is a causal link supported by evidence between CO₂ levels and global temperature increases. Higher CO₂ concentrations trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.

What are boreal forests also known as?

• Rainforests

• Taiga

• Savannas

• Deserts

Answer explanation

Boreal forests are also known as Taiga. This term specifically refers to the biome characterized by coniferous forests found in high northern latitudes, distinct from other ecosystems like rainforests, savannas, or deserts.

How does climate change affect the duration of sea ice in the Arctic?

• It increases the duration.

• It has no effect on the duration.

• It diminishes the duration.

• It stabilizes the duration.

Answer explanation

Climate change leads to higher temperatures, which causes sea ice to melt earlier in the spring and freeze later in the fall, thus diminishing the overall duration of sea ice in the Arctic.

What is the role of international agreements in addressing climate change?

• They ignore climate change.

• They highlight the need for collective action.

• They focus solely on economic issues.

• They are not related to climate change.

Answer explanation

International agreements play a crucial role in addressing climate change by emphasizing the need for collective action among countries to reduce emissions and implement sustainable practices.

What are the two types of ocean currents?

• Surface currents and tidal currents

• Surface currents and deep ocean currents

• Tidal currents and deep ocean currents

• Wind-driven currents and tidal currents

Answer explanation

The two main types of ocean currents are surface currents, which are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, and deep ocean currents, which are driven by differences in water density and temperature.