The 19th Century Science That's Fighting Climate Change Today

The Challenger expedition laid the foundation for modern oceanography, providing valuable data still used today to understand climate change's impact on oceans. By analyzing historical data, scientists can infer changes in ocean salinity and the water cycle, revealing that dry areas are becoming drier and wet areas wetter. This highlights the ongoing climate crisis and its potential consequences, emphasizing the need for preparedness and mitigation strategies.

What was the primary purpose of the HMS Challenger expedition?

• To map the world's coastlines

• To study oceanographic phenomena

• To establish trade routes

• To explore the Arctic regions

How did researchers infer ocean salinity from the Challenger expedition data?

• By using temperature and density measurements

• By measuring the salt directly

• By analyzing ocean currents

• By studying marine life

What significant change in atmospheric conditions began during the Industrial Revolution?

• An increase in atmospheric CO2 levels

• A decrease in global temperatures

• A rise in sea levels

• A reduction in ocean salinity

What is the primary factor affecting changes in ocean salinity?

• The amount of salt in the ocean

• The activity of the water cycle

• The presence of marine life

• The movement of tectonic plates

What is a potential consequence of changing salinity patterns on global climate?

• Increased volcanic activity

• A decrease in global wind patterns

• More frequent earthquakes

• Dry areas becoming drier and wet areas becoming wetter