Understanding Climate Part 1: Orbital Variations and the Sun

The video tutorial explores the relationship between ecology and climate, emphasizing the distinction between climate and weather. It delves into natural climate change factors, such as Earth's orbital variations and solar influences, and explains how these factors have historically impacted climate. The tutorial also discusses the role of greenhouse gases in current climate trends, highlighting that recent warming cannot be attributed to natural factors alone.

What is the main difference between climate and weather?

• Climate is short-term, while weather is long-term.

• Weather is short-term, while climate is long-term.

• Climate and weather are the same.

• Weather is predictable, while climate is not.

What are climate normals?

• The average weather conditions over a short period.

• The average weather conditions over a long period.

• The extreme weather conditions in a region.

• The unpredictable weather patterns in a region.

Which of the following is an external factor contributing to natural climate change?

• Orbital variations

• Volcanic eruptions

• Human activities

• Ocean circulation

What is the term used to describe the shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun?

• Axial tilt

• Obliquity

• Eccentricity

• Procession

How often does the Earth's axial tilt change?

• Every 41,000 years

• Every 413,000 years

• Every 10,000 years

• Every 100,000 years

What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

• The Moon

• The Sun

• Ocean currents

• Volcanic activity

What was the Little Ice Age thought to be triggered by?

• Changes in Earth's orbit

• Volcanic eruptions

• Increased greenhouse gases

• Decreased solar activity

What is the effect of greenhouse gases on Earth's atmosphere?

• They only affect the upper atmosphere.

• They trap heat in the lower atmosphere.

• They cool the atmosphere.

• They have no effect on temperature.

Which gas is NOT considered a greenhouse gas?

• Water vapor

• Oxygen

• Methane

• Carbon dioxide

Why can't current climate trends be attributed to solar activity?

• Solar activity has been decreasing.

• Solar activity has been increasing.

• Solar activity has a cooling influence.

• Solar activity has remained constant.