Modeling our future climate

The video explores climate models, which are mathematical representations of Earth's climate system. It discusses the role of ice core research in understanding past climate changes and how CO2 and temperature are measured. The video explains how climate models can simulate past climates and predict future conditions. It also examines factors influencing climate variability, such as solar energy and Earth's orbit, and highlights the impact of climate change on the environment and human life.

What is the primary purpose of climate models?

• To predict future climate conditions

• To create weather forecasts

• To analyze ocean currents

• To measure current temperature

What do ice cores from Antarctica help scientists understand?

• The future of ocean currents

• The current weather patterns

• The history of atmospheric greenhouse gases

• The biodiversity of Antarctica

How do scientists determine the age of an ice core?

• By testing its hardness

• By measuring its thickness

• By analyzing its color

• By counting its annual layers

What natural factor causes changes in Earth's climate over thousands of years?

• Human activities

• Ocean currents

• Volcanic eruptions

• Changes in Earth's orbit

Why does the ocean's ability to absorb CO2 decrease as the planet warms?

• Because the ocean becomes more acidic

• Because the ocean's surface area decreases

• Because warmer water holds less CO2

• Because the ocean's salinity increases

What is the role of CO2 in the greenhouse effect?

• It reflects sunlight back into space

• It absorbs infrared radiation

• It increases ocean salinity

• It cools the Earth's surface

How has human activity affected CO2 levels since the industrial revolution?

• CO2 levels have remained stable

• CO2 levels have fluctuated randomly

• CO2 levels have decreased

• CO2 levels have increased rapidly