16.2 Understanding Climate Change Concepts

What evidence indicates global climate change?

• Decrease in atmospheric temperature

• Rising atmospheric temperature

• Stable precipitation trends

• Decrease in sea levels

How do scientists study changes in climate?

• By guessing future trends

• By using astrology

• By taking direct measurements and using models

• By observing animal behavior

What has largely caused global warming according to the document?

• Decrease in solar activity

• Increase in greenhouse gases

• Natural climate cycles

• Volcanic eruptions

What is a fossil fuel?

• A renewable energy source

• A fuel formed from ancient remains of living things

• A type of mineral

• A modern synthetic fuel

What two conclusions has the IPCC made about global climate change?

• Climate change is not occurring

• Human activities are a major cause

• Climate change is reversible

• Climate change has no impact on weather patterns

Describe two ways in which precipitation patterns have changed.

• More frequent droughts and floods

• No change in precipitation

• Decrease in snowfall only

• Increase in rainfall in deserts

What changes have scientists noted regarding the size and number of glaciers on Earth?

• Glaciers are increasing in size

• Glaciers are decreasing in size and number

• No change in glaciers

• Glaciers are moving to the equator

What happens to seawater when it warms? What effect does this have on sea levels?

• Seawater contracts and sea levels fall

• Seawater expands and sea levels rise

• Seawater evaporates completely

• Seawater remains unchanged

What are proxy indicators and why are they important to climate scientists?

• They are direct measurements of climate data.

• They are indirect evidence that helps scientists understand past climate conditions.

• They are tools used to predict future weather patterns.

• They are methods to measure current temperature.

List three types of proxy indicators.

• Tree rings, ice cores, and ocean sediments

• Thermometers, barometers, and anemometers

• Satellites, radars, and weather balloons

• Rain gauges, hygrometers, and wind vanes