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Global Climate Trends

Total questions: 12

Worksheet time: 36mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which graph best shows the relationship between the concentration of carbon dioxide in

Earth’s atmosphere and the amount of heat absorbed by the atmosphere?

a)
b)
c)
d)
2.

If the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere rose over time, sea level would ______(1)______ and

polar ice caps would _____(2)_______ in size.

a)

(1) fall, (2) decrease

b)

(1) rise, (2) decrease

c)

(1) fall, (2) increase

d)

(1) rise, (2) increase

3.

Two identical glass containers were placed in direct

sunlight. The first container was filled with air and the

second container was filled with a mixture of air and

carbon dioxide. Each container was sealed with a

thermometer inside. Temperatures were recorded at

2-minute intervals, as shown in the data table. Which

statement best explains the results of this activity?

a)

CO2

causes a random reflection of energy.

b)

CO2 has no effect on temperature.

c)

CO2 converts some energy into potential energy.

d)

CO2 traps heat well.

4.

The picture to the left shows the

extent of summer Arctic Sea ice in

1979 and 2005. Which hypothesis is

best supported by the changes in

sea-ice overage?

a)

Earth’s climate is gradually warming.

b)

Sea ice is migrating away from Earth’s poles.

c)

Arctic sea ice is increasing in size.

d)

Global warming occurs only at Earth’s poles

during the summer.

5.

The graph shows data obtained

from an ice core sample from

Vostok, Antarctica. Approximately what was

the highest level of

atmospheric

dioxide on this graph?

a)

300 ppm

b)

3°C

c)

400 ppm

d)

270 ppm

6.

Which is the best interpretation that can be made from the graphs?

a)

Carbon dioxide levels and temperature are not related to each other.

b)

Increasing carbon dioxide levels are related to decreasing temperatures.

c)

The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has decreased steadily, and the

temperature change on the Earth has shown an overall decrease.

d)

Carbon dioxide levels and temperature are related to each other.

7.

Which statement best accounts for the relationship between the carbon dioxide and temperature

change data shown by the graphs?

a)

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

b)

Carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas.

c)

Temperature decreases usually occur when the carbon dioxide content of the

atmosphere increases.

d)

Temperature changes and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are unrelated.

8.

Graph 2 displays changes in

sea level. On this graph, a

measurement of 50 means that the sea

has risen 50 millimeters. What is the most likely the direct cause of the trend shown in Graph 2?

a)

melting glaciers

b)

atmospheric carbon dioxide levels

c)

humans developing new coastal cities

d)

burning of fossil fuels

9.

Scientists are concerned about the upward trend of carbon dioxide seen in Graph 1 for all

of the following reasons EXCEPT which answer?

a)

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is toxic to all living things.

b)

Carbon dioxide absorbs heat, increasing the temperature of the atmosphere.

c)

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will lead to more carbon dioxide

absorbed by the oceans.

d)

Carbon dioxide levels have never been higher in at least the last 400,000 years.

10.

Which of the following is TRUE about Earth’s temperatures?

Read each before you decide!

a)

Earth’s temperatures remained exactly the same until the Industrial Revolution,

then temperatures increased.

b)

Earth’s temperatures have remained exactly the same for the last 400,000 years.

c)

Scientists know that Earth’s temperatures are increasing now but have no way to

know what Earth’s past temperatures were.

d)

Earth’s temperatures have always gone up and down but are currently increasing.

11.

Which of the following do

scientists believe has caused the

trend seen in Graph 1?

a)

an increase in the burning of fossil fuels

b)

an increase in the number of volcanic eruptions

c)

an increase in the average temperature of Earth

d)

a decrease in the use of renewable energy

12.

The change in carbon dioxide concentration seen in Graph 1 has most likely caused

a)

deforestation

b)

an increase in Earth’s average temperature

c)

Earth’s water cycle to slow down

d)

an increase in the thickness of Earth’s glaciers