SocSci Sect1_3.14.2025

What is one of the key concepts from Earth System Science (ESS)?

• Studying the Earth's parts separately

• Understanding interactions between air, water, land, and living organisms

• Focusing only on the Earth's atmosphere

• Ignoring the Earth's oceans

Answer explanation

One of the key concepts of Earth System Science is understanding the interactions between air, water, land, and living organisms. This holistic approach contrasts with studying Earth's parts separately or focusing on just one component.

What is the primary focus of Earth System Science (ESS)?

• Studying the universe

• Understanding climate and weather

• Exploring outer space

• Analyzing ocean currents

Answer explanation

Earth System Science (ESS) primarily focuses on understanding climate and weather, as it examines the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere, which are crucial for climate studies.

Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth's surface?

• Stratosphere

• Troposphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 8-15 kilometers. It contains most of the atmosphere's mass and is where weather occurs, making it the closest layer to Earth's surface.

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

What is the effect of too many greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

• Cooling of the Earth's surface

• Increase in volcanic activity

• Temperatures on Earth may become too hot

• Formation of new mountain ranges

Answer explanation

Too many greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. This can result in extreme weather, melting ice caps, and other environmental issues, making 'Temperatures on Earth may become too hot' the correct choice.

What is the role of solar energy in climate change?

• It causes volcanic eruptions

• It is the Earth's vital source of external energy

• It forms the Earth's crust

• It creates ocean currents

Answer explanation

Solar energy is crucial in climate change as it is the primary source of external energy for the Earth, driving weather patterns and influencing climate systems. It does not cause volcanic eruptions or form the Earth's crust.

What is the primary function of the atmosphere?

• To provide a habitat for marine life

• To trap heat and keep the planet warm

• To form the Earth's crust

• To create ocean currents

Answer explanation

The primary function of the atmosphere is to trap heat through the greenhouse effect, which keeps the planet warm enough to support life. This is crucial for maintaining a stable climate.

What is the effect of using fossil fuels on the carbon cycle?

• It decreases the amount of carbon in the atmosphere

• It has no effect on the carbon cycle

• It rapidly increases the amount of carbon in the atmosphere

• It stabilizes the carbon cycle

Answer explanation

Using fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, significantly increasing its concentration. This rapid influx disrupts the carbon cycle, contributing to climate change.

What is the impact of melting ice on the biosphere?

• It has no impact on the biosphere.

• It helps in the growth of polar bears.

• It destroys the habitat of animals such as the polar bear.

• It increases the population of marine life.

Answer explanation

Melting ice significantly impacts the biosphere by destroying the habitat of animals like polar bears, which rely on sea ice for hunting and breeding. This loss threatens their survival and disrupts the entire Arctic ecosystem.

What do scholars need to consider when using art as a climate record?

• The artist's nationality

• The accuracy of the depiction

• The size of the painting

• The color scheme used

Answer explanation

When using art as a climate record, scholars must prioritize the accuracy of the depiction. This ensures that the artwork reliably reflects environmental conditions, making it a valid source for climate analysis.