Topic 6: Impacts on Global Climate Review

How can changes in ocean currents influence climate?

• They cause volcanic eruptions.

• They have no impact on the climate.

• They only affect the weather in coastal areas.

• They can change temperature patterns, making some areas warmer and others cooler.

Answer explanation

Changes in ocean currents can significantly influence climate by altering temperature patterns across the globe, leading to some regions becoming warmer while others may cool down, thus impacting overall climate dynamics.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the release of sulfur dioxide during a volcanic eruption affect the climate?

• It makes the oceans warmer.

• It has no effect on the Earth's climate.

• It causes the Earth to warm by absorbing more sunlight.

• It forms tiny particles in the atmosphere that reflect sunlight, leading to cooling.

Answer explanation

During a volcanic eruption, sulfur dioxide can form tiny sulfate particles in the atmosphere. These particles reflect sunlight, which leads to a cooling effect on the Earth's climate, making this the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

How do volcanic eruptions impact the climate in the short term?

• They cause long-lasting global warming.

• They lead to immediate long-term cooling.

• They cause short-term cooling by blocking sunlight with ash and gases.

• They result in a temporary increase in temperature.

Answer explanation

Volcanic eruptions release ash and gases into the atmosphere, which can block sunlight. This leads to short-term cooling of the Earth's surface, making the correct choice "They cause short-term cooling by blocking sunlight with ash and gases."

Which current brings warm water from the equator to the Atlantic coast and eastern shores of Europe?

• North Pacific Drift

• West Wind Drift

• Gulf Stream

• North Equatorial

Answer explanation

The Gulf Stream is the ocean current that transports warm water from the equator to the Atlantic coast and eastern shores of Europe, significantly influencing the climate of these regions.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is one difference between the effects of greenhouse gases and volcanic eruptions?

• Greenhouse gases cause short-term cooling.

• Volcanic eruptions cause long-term warming.

• Greenhouse gases cause long-term warming, while volcanic eruptions cause short-term cooling.

• Both have the same effect on climate.

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to long-term warming. In contrast, volcanic eruptions release ash and gases that can reflect sunlight, causing short-term cooling effects on the climate.

What type of water does the Gulf Stream bring to Europe?

• Cold water

• Warm water

• Salty water

• Freshwater

Answer explanation

The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the tropics to Europe, significantly influencing the region's climate. This warm water helps to moderate temperatures, making Europe milder compared to other regions at similar latitudes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The temperature in the greenhouse is warmer than the temperature outside the greenhouse. Many plants grow in the greenhouse. Sunlight enters the greenhouse, warming the ground and other surfaces. Heat is trapped by the glass and cannot escape.

Choose the statement that best compares greenhouse gases to this greenhouse.

• Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat like the glass in the greenhouse

• Many plants in the greenhouse absorb carbon dioxide, which is why it is a greenhouse gas.

• The glass greenhouse shelters the plants inside it from the outside environment, so the air inside it is a greenhouse gas.

• The sun’s rays shine on Earth as they do on the glass greenhouse.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, similar to how the glass in a greenhouse traps heat. This comparison highlights the function of both in maintaining warmth.

2. David recently observed a record low temperature on a winter day in his town. Does this temperature record indicate that the evidence of climate warming is incorrect?

• 1. No, because daily temperatures are not part of climate measurements.

• No, because the weather on one day cannot determine climate.

• 1. Yes, because the evidence for climate change didn’t include this record.

• 1. Yes, because it is the lowest recorded temperature.

Answer explanation

No, because the weather on one day cannot determine climate. Climate refers to long-term patterns, while a record low temperature is just a short-term weather event.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

How do greenhouse gases cause global warming?

• Greenhouse gases react together and release heat into the air.

• Greenhouse gases reflect the heat from the sun down to Earth.

• Greenhouse gases sink down and heat up the surface of the Earth.

• Greenhouse gases trap heat and prevent it from moving into space.

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space. This process leads to an increase in global temperatures, contributing to global warming.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which of these does not add CO2 to the atmosphere

• cooking with gas

• planting trees

• burning wood

• riding in a bus

Answer explanation

Planting trees absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. In contrast, cooking with gas, burning wood, and riding in a bus all release CO2, making planting trees the only option that does not add CO2.