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Earth's Atmosphere and Climate Quiz

Total questions: 26

Worksheet time: 29mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Ozone in Earth’s atmosphere is important because it

a)

causes rain to fall.

b)

absorbs harmful pollution.

c)

absorbs harmful radiation.

d)

helps clouds form.

2.

Which gas is least abundant in Earth’s atmosphere?

a)

Oxygen

b)

Argon

c)

Carbon dioxide

d)

Water vapor

3.

Solid particles in the atmosphere include salt and

a)

leaves.

b)

ozone.

c)

lightning.

d)

dust.

4.

What is the transfer of heat by vertical movements of air masses called?

a)

convection

b)

subduction

c)

conduction

d)

radiation

5.

Which is NOT one of the four main layers of the atmosphere?

a)

thermosphere

b)

troposphere

c)

lithosphere

d)

mesosphere

6.

Air is denser near Earth’s surface than high in the atmosphere.

a)

True

b)

False

7.

Particles of air in the atmosphere exert pressure on Earth’s surface.

a)

True

b)

False

8.

Air pressure is greater at the top of a mountain than at lower elevations.

a)

True

b)

False

9.

In the troposphere, as air temperature increases with decreasing altitude, generally air pressure increases, too.

a)

True

b)

False

10.

How is climate different from weather?

a)

Weather is more variable

b)

Climate describes only the average weather

c)

Weather is easier to predict

d)

Climate describes the long-term weather patterns

11.

According to the modified Köppen classification system, South Carolina has what kind of climate?

a)

dry

b)

continental

c)

humid subtropical

d)

tropical

12.

Scientists theorize that changes in the tilt of Earth’s axis might be responsible for the cyclical reoccurrence of

a)

volcanic eruptions.

b)

ice ages

c)

high sea levels.

d)

El Niño.

13.

A lowering of global temperatures caused by dust blocking solar radiation can be triggered by

a)

volcanic eruptions.

b)

blizzards.

c)

hurricanes.

d)

El Niño.

14.

What are greenhouse gases?

a)

Gases in the atmosphere that are produced as plants grow.

b)

Gases in the atmosphere that cause rain to become acidic.

c)

Gases in the atmosphere that absorb ultraviolet energy.

d)

Gases in the atmosphere that absorb infrared energy

15.

Earth’s atmosphere is warmer than it would be without a greenhouse effect. Which form of energy is absorbed by the atmosphere and mainly causes this increased temperature?

a)

Radio waves.

b)

Infrared

c)

Visible light.

d)

Ultraviolet.

16.

Currently, the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere is about 400 parts per million. During the Cretaceous Period, about 110 million years ago, the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere was about 2,000 parts per million. Based on your knowledge of the greenhouse effect, how do you think the average temperature on Earth 110 million years ago compared to the temperature in modern times?

a)

Temperatures were warmer 110 million years ago than they are in modern times

b)

Temperatures were cooler 110 million years ago than they are in modern times

c)

Temperatures 110 million years ago were about the same as they are in modern times

d)

More information is needed to answer this question.

17.

Currently, the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere is about 400 parts per million. During the Pleistocene Epoch, about 150 thousand years ago, the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere was about 200 parts per million. Based on your knowledge of the greenhouse effect, how do you think the average temperature on Earth during the Pleistocene Epoch compared to the temperature in modern times?

a)

Temperatures were warmer 150 thousand years ago than they are in modern times.

b)

Temperatures were cooler 150 thousand years ago than they are in modern times.

c)

Temperatures 150 thousand years ago were about the same as they are in modern times.

d)

More information is needed to answer this question.

18.

Use the diagram to answer the following question. What is the source of all energy that reaches Earth?

a)

The core of Earth

b)

The Sun

c)

Clouds

d)

Earth's surface

19.

Use the diagram to answer the following question. What percentage of the Sun’s energy does Earth’s surface absorb directly or indirectly?

a)

30%

b)

25%

c)

70%

d)

50%

20.

The ______ is the angle of the Earth's axis.

a)

Precession

b)

Tilt

c)

Orbital Eccentricity

d)

Latitude

21.

The wobbling of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun is called ______.

a)

Tilt

b)

Orbital Eccentricity

c)

Precession

d)

Latitude

22.

Climates are classified according to two major factors:

a)

Latitude and temperature

b)

Precipitation and temperature

c)

Elevation and precipitation

d)

Elevation and latitude

23.

What is the greenhouse effect?

a)

The tilt of the Earth changes the amount of solar energy the Earth receives

b)

Certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat and warm the Earth

c)

The Sun is putting out more radiant energy over time

d)

The Sun is putting out more radiant energy over time

24.

Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?

a)

Water Vapor

b)

CH4

c)

CO2

d)

All gases listed

25.

Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth’s temperature would be well below freezing. Is this true or false?

a)

True

b)

False

26.

Increased carbon dioxide may cause global warming by trapping more ________ in the atmosphere.

a)
Heat
b)

Water

c)

Water Vapor

d)

Gases