WorksheetsAmplify the Earth's System
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 15mins
From about 120 to 80 million years ago, scientists think that a large amount of carbon dioxide was released from rock on the ocean floor, which led to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What happened to energy in the Earth system during this time?
increased, because less energy entered than exited. This is because more exiting energy was redirected (bounced) back toward Earth.
increased, because more energy entered than exited. This is because more exiting energy was redirected (bounced) back toward Earth.
increased, because more energy entered than exited. This is because more energy was trapped by gases and held in the atmosphere.
decreased, because less energy entered than exited. This is because more energy from the sun wasredirected (bounced) back toward outer space.
A climatologist was working with a computer simulation that models Earth’s climate and atmosphere. She set up the controls of the simulation to decrease the amount of methane in the atmosphere. What should happen to the amount of energy absorbed by Earth’s surface?
When methane decreases, the amount of energy absorbed by Earth’s surface should
change unpredictably.
stay at a constant level.
increase.
decrease.
Fossil evidence from the time of Tyrannosaurus rex (85–65 million years ago) shows less energy entered the Earth system than exited, even though energy from the sun didn’t change. How might the amount of carbon dioxide changed to cause this, and how would that have changed the energy absorbed by Earth’s surface??
Carbon dioxide decreased so there was less energy in the Earth system and less energy absorbed by Earth's surface.
Carbon dioxide decreased so there was more energy in the Earth system and more energy absorbed by Earth's surface.
Carbon dioxide increased so there was more energy in the Earth system and more energy absorbed by Earth's surface.
Carbon dioxide increased so there was less energy in the Earth system and less energy absorbed by Earth's surface.
Climate researchers are creating a computer simulation to help them understand changes in the Earth system. They want to use the simulation to see what happens when they increase the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What should their simulation show about energy absorbed by Earth’s surface? When carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, the amount of energy absorbed by Earth’s surface should . . .
increase
decrease
stay at a constant level
change unpredictably
The graph above shows global temperature changes between the years 1880 and 2011. Which of the following best describes the changes seen in the graph?
The graph shows a trend of increasing temperature over time.
The graph shows the Annual Mean and 5-Year Mean have different trends.
The graph shows temperatures go up and down, with no trend.
The graph shows too much fluctuation to be confident about a trend.
Where in the water cycle do clouds form?
evaporation
condensation
precipitation
transpiration
Which of the following statements about the water cycle is false?
Liquid water evaporates into a solid.
Liquid water evaporates into the atmosphere.
Water vapor can reappear as a solid.
Water vapor can reappear as a liquid.
What system includes all of the air and gas on
Earth?
atmosphere
hydrosphere
biosphere
geosphere
What system includes all of the living things on
Earth including people?
atmosphere
hydrosphere
biosphere
geosphere
What system includes all of the liquid water and
ice on Earth?
atmosphere
hydrosphere
biosphere
geosphere
How does the increase in greenhouse gases amplify the Earth's system?
A) By increasing the Earth's albedo, reflecting more sunlight back into space.
B) By trapping more heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
C) By decreasing the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
D) By increasing the Earth's rotation speed, affecting weather patterns.
Which of the following experiments would best demonstrate the amplification of the Earth's system due to increased carbon dioxide levels?
A) Measuring the temperature change in a sealed container with increased CO2 under a heat lamp.
B) Observing plant growth in a greenhouse with varying levels of CO2.
C) Testing the acidity of rainwater in different regions.
D) Measuring the speed of wind in different atmospheric conditions.
What is the role of the ocean in amplifying the Earth's system in response to climate change?
A) The ocean absorbs excess carbon dioxide, reducing atmospheric levels.
B) The ocean releases stored heat, contributing to global warming.
C) The ocean reflects sunlight, cooling the Earth's surface.
D) The ocean currents slow down, stabilizing global temperatures.
How does deforestation amplify the Earth's system and contribute to climate change?
A) By increasing the Earth's albedo, leading to cooling.
B) By reducing the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.
C) By increasing the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse effects.
D) By stabilizing the Earth's temperature through increased land surface.
In the context of Earth's system, what is the significance of feedback loops in amplifying climate change?
A) Feedback loops always stabilize the climate by balancing energy inputs and outputs.
B) Positive feedback loops can amplify climate change by enhancing initial changes in the system.
C) Negative feedback loops amplify climate change by reducing the effects of initial changes.
D) Feedback loops have no significant impact on the Earth's climate system.
