Climate Change and Its Effects

This lesson explores Earth's changing climate, focusing on past climate changes during the Eocene and cryogenic periods. It investigates how carbon dioxide and methane affect energy entering and exiting Earth's system, using simulations to model these effects. The lesson aims to understand the impact of greenhouse gases on global temperatures and ice coverage, providing insights into past and potential future climate scenarios.

What is the main investigation question for this lesson?

• How does sunlight affect plant growth?

• What causes ice ages on Earth?

• What is the role of water vapor in climate change?

• How do carbon dioxide and methane affect Earth's energy system?

What happens to Earth's temperature when more energy enters than exits the system?

• The temperature remains the same.

• The temperature increases.

• The temperature fluctuates randomly.

• The temperature decreases.

During the Eocene period, what was a significant factor in the warming of Earth's climate?

• Increase in carbon dioxide and methane

• Increase in volcanic activity

• Decrease in sunlight

• Decrease in ocean currents

What role does methane play in Earth's climate system according to the lesson?

• It has no significant effect on Earth's climate.

• It traps outgoing energy, contributing to warming.

• It increases the amount of energy exiting the system.

• It decreases the amount of energy entering the system.

What is the significance of the Eocene period in climate studies?

• It was a period of stable climate conditions.

• It was a time of significant warming due to greenhouse gases.

• It was a period with no significant climate change.

• It was a time of extreme cold.

What is one theory for the cause of the cryogenic period, also known as Snowball Earth?

• A sudden increase in ocean currents

• An increase in greenhouse gases

• A decrease in volcanic activity

• Earth passing through a dust cloud

How does the albedo effect influence Earth's temperature?

• It increases the reflection of sunlight, cooling the Earth.

• It decreases the reflection of sunlight.

• It increases the absorption of sunlight.

• It has no effect on Earth's temperature.

In the simulation, what happens when carbon dioxide levels are increased?

• The Earth's temperature fluctuates randomly.

• The Earth's temperature increases.

• The Earth's temperature remains constant.

• The Earth's temperature decreases.

How does the simulation help in understanding past climate changes?

• By showing the impact of ocean currents

• By modeling the effects of different gases on Earth's temperature

• By predicting future weather patterns

• By analyzing the role of plant life in climate change

What is one effect of increased sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere according to the simulation?

• It has no effect on Earth's climate.

• It increases the amount of energy exiting the system.

• It decreases the amount of energy entering the system.

• It increases Earth's temperature.