Climate Science Questionnaire

Front

What is the best definition of a positive feedback loop in the climate system?

Back

A change in the climate system leads to a response which accelerates climate change.

Front

Which of the following will occur if the amount of ice floating in the ocean decreases?

Back

Less sunlight will be reflected back into space and the Earth's temperature will increase.

Front

Which of the following is the best definition of a greenhouse gas?

Back

An atmospheric gas which absorbs infrared radiation.

Front

How has the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere changed since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 1850's?

Back

The amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere has increased by 40% since the 1880's.

Front

Atmospheric CO_2, in ppm (parts per million) has not exceeded 289 ppm in 650,000 years, until now.

Back

True

Front

Atmospheric CO₂ is now over 407 ppm.

Back

True

Front

Which of the following best describes how plants take in carbon dioxide?

Back

They take it in from the atmosphere through their leaves.

Front

Which of the following statements about the greenhouse effect on Earth is most accurate? Options: The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's temperatures stable., The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's temperatures cool., The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's surface and oceans from freezing.

Back

The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's surface and oceans from freezing.

Front

Which of the following would most likely occur if the oceans stopped absorbing carbon dioxide? Options: Atmospheric CO₂ would increase., Atmospheric CO₂ would decrease., Atmospheric CO₂ would remain the same.

Back

Atmospheric CO₂ would increase.

Front

How much of the extra atmospheric CO₂ from fossil fuel burning has been absorbed by the oceans?

Back

About 25% of the extra.