Quiz on Greenhouse Effect

Which gases are considered greenhouse gases?

• Oxygen and nitrogen

• Water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide

• Helium and neon

• Argon and krypton

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The correct answer includes water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are all significant greenhouse gases.

What is the role of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

• They absorb ultraviolet solar radiations.

• They trap outgoing infrared radiations.

• They reflect all solar radiation back to space.

• They cool the Earth's surface.

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases trap outgoing infrared radiations, preventing heat from escaping into space. This process warms the Earth's surface, which is essential for maintaining a stable climate.

What happens to most of the solar radiation that reaches the Earth?

• It is reflected back into space.

• It is absorbed by the Earth's surface and warms it.

• It is absorbed by the atmosphere.

• It is converted into chemical energy.

Answer explanation

Most solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface, which warms it. This process is crucial for maintaining the planet's temperature and supporting life, making it the correct answer.

What effect do greenhouse gases have on Earth's heat?

• They reflect heat away from Earth

• They trap heat that would otherwise escape

• They absorb all heat from the sun

• They cool the Earth's surface

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases trap heat that would otherwise escape into space, creating a warming effect on Earth. This is essential for maintaining the planet's temperature, unlike the other options which misrepresent their role.

What is a source of methane emissions that contributes to global warming?

• Solar panels

• Wind turbines

• Livestock (animal farm)

• Electric vehicles

Answer explanation

Livestock, particularly cattle, produce methane during digestion through a process called enteric fermentation. This potent greenhouse gas significantly contributes to global warming, unlike renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.

What process at landfills contributes to methane emissions?

• Aerobic decomposition

• Anaerobic decomposition

• Photosynthesis

• Combustion

Answer explanation

Anaerobic decomposition occurs in landfills where organic waste breaks down without oxygen, producing methane as a byproduct. This process significantly contributes to methane emissions, unlike aerobic decomposition, which does not produce methane.

What is a consequence of widespread habitat loss?

• Increase in animal populations

• Widespread vanishing of animal populations

• Stabilisation of ecosystems

• Expansion of animal habitats

Answer explanation

Widespread habitat loss leads to a decrease in available resources for animals, resulting in their decline. Thus, the correct consequence is the widespread vanishing of animal populations.

What is a result of the bleaching of coral reefs?

• Increase in coral reef health

• One third of coral reefs severely damaged

• Expansion of coral reef areas

• Stabilisation of coral ecosystems

Answer explanation

Coral bleaching leads to the loss of symbiotic algae, resulting in severe damage to coral reefs. Studies indicate that approximately one third of coral reefs are severely damaged due to this phenomenon.

What does climate change refer to?

• A change in average weather conditions over a short period

• A change in average weather conditions for an extended period

• A change in daily weather patterns

• A change in seasonal weather patterns

Answer explanation

Climate change refers to a significant change in average weather conditions over an extended period, distinguishing it from short-term variations or daily weather patterns.

What is a major consequence of burning fossil fuels?

• Decrease in global temperatures

• Increase in atmospheric CO2

• Reduction in greenhouse gases

• Decrease in urbanisation

Answer explanation

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, significantly increasing its concentration. This contributes to global warming and climate change, making 'Increase in atmospheric CO2' the correct consequence.