Natural Events and Human Activities that Influence Climate

 Carbon is absorbed by _____. When ______ are burned, carbon dioxide is released. Carbon dioxide is called a _______ because it traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere. Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes average global temperatures to ______. 

• trees and other photosynthesizers; fossil fuels; greenhouse gas; increase

• animals; greenhouse gases; fossil fuel; decrease 

•  trees and other photosynthesizers; photosynthesis; greenhouse gas; stay the same 

• lakes; fossil fuels; photosynthesis; increase 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

An enormous volcanic eruption occurred in Tambora near the equator and ejected volcanic ash and gases into the atmosphere. Which statements best describe how the global climate will be affected? Choose all correct answers.

• A. Volcanic ash will allow more sunlight to reach Earth’s surface, causing average global temperatures to increase.

• B. Volcanic gases will not have any effect on the global climate because they help even out the temperatures.

• C. Volcanic ash will prevent sunlight from reaching Earth’s surface, causing average global temperatures to decrease.

• D. The volcanic gases released into the atmosphere will have lasting effects on the climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Brest, France, and Vienna, Austria, are two cities in Europe. Winter in Brest is warmer than winter in Vienna. These two cities are at about the same latitude and receive about the same amount of sunlight in the winter. 

Why is Brest warmer than Vienna?

• The Gulf Stream carries cold water away from Brest, making the climate there warmer.

• The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the equator to the coast of Brest making the climate there warmer.

• The Gulf Stream absorbs cold air near Vienna and makes it cooler.

• The Gulf Stream absorbs cold air near Brest and makes it warmer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

About 2200 years ago, there was a long period of unusually cold weather. Crops failed, and both the Roman Republic and the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt fell. Which event most likely caused this sudden change in climate?

• A. A large wildfire burned down many trees, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• B. A massive volcano erupted and released ash into the atmosphere, blocking out sunlight.

• C. A severe storm flooded a river, causing vegetation to die and less oxygen was released into the atmosphere.

• D. An earthquake occurred and caused buildings to fall down, blocking out sunlight.

 

The number of humans on Earth is increasing. With more and more people, cities get bigger, and _______ occurs. Trees are cut down to clear land for farming and housing. This is ______. Many people need energy, so they burn _______, which releases greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases and cutting down trees affect _______. 

Which terms, in order of appearance, best complete the sentences? 

• heat emission; deforestation; forests; climate 

• deforestation; urbanization; fossil fuels; light reflection 

• light reflection; absorption; forests; heat emission 

• urbanization; deforestation; fossil fuels; climate 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

The graph of average global temperature over time in the image shows that the average global temperature has been increasing since the 1950s. 

Which activities are the leading cause of this average global warming? 

• People burn oil, gas, and coal for energy.

• Plants are decomposing at a rapid rate and giving off heat. 

• Wildfires burn forests and give off heat. 

• Volcanoes are erupting and ash is entering the atmosphere, trapping the sun’s energy. 

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which human activities affect climate by increasing greenhouse gases? Select all answers that apply. 

• Building roads because roads emit sulfur dioxide

• Cutting down trees because trees absorb carbon dioxide

• Planting crops because crops absorb water vapor

• Raising cattle because cattle emit methane

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-6

Which human activity does not cause global climate change by releasing greenhouse gases? 

• Farming cattle to feed thousands of people 

• A wind turbine converts wind’s kinetic energy into electricity

• Increasing the amount of gas-powered vehicles 

• The local electric company burning coal to provide power 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5