TED-ED: When will the next ice age happen? - Lorraine Lisiecki

The video explores Earth's climate history, focusing on the Last Glacial Maximum and the role of carbon dioxide in climate variability. It explains how Earth's orbital changes influence glacial cycles and discusses the reversal of glacial trends 20,000 years ago. The video highlights modern climate change due to rising carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuel use, predicting significant sea level rise. It emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions to mitigate future impacts.

What term do geologists use to refer to the most recent period when ice sheets were at their maximum extent?

• Polar Ice Cap Era

• Snowball Earth

• Last Glacial Maximum

• Ice Age

Which natural process is NOT mentioned as a cause of changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide over millions of years?

• Volcanism

• Chemical weathering of rocks

• Burial of organic matter

• Photosynthesis

What causes the Earth's summer temperatures to vary during glacial cycles?

• Variations in Earth's tilt and orbit

• Fluctuations in solar radiation

• Changes in Earth's distance from the moon

• Shifts in ocean currents

What has been the primary cause of the recent rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?

• Increased volcanic activity

• Deforestation

• Fossil fuel use

• Natural carbon cycle fluctuations

By how much is the sea level expected to rise by the end of this century due to ice melt?

• 1 to 2 meters

• 5 to 10 meters

• 30 to 100 centimeters

• 10 to 30 centimeters