Deck 16: The Oceans and Climate Change

Question 1

There is a significant positive correlation between sunspot activity and recent changes in mean global temperature.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

The Earth's climate system involves the exchange of heat and water among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)movement of Earth's tectonic plates
B)volcanic eruptions
C)combustion of fossil fuels
D)refrigerants
E)changes in solar energy
F)variations in Earth's orbit
G)agriculture
Milankovitch cycle

Answer 3

F

Question 4

A decrease in cloud cover due to a higher moisture content in the atmosphere is an example of a positive-feedback loop.

Question 5

Climate is the short-term, day-to-day variations in the condition of the atmosphere such as temperature, precipitation, and wind.

Question 6

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)study of ancient rocks
B)methane and nitrous oxide
C)model of heat exchange for Earth and atmosphere
D)oil and natural gas
E)process that influences the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere
F)voluntary international accord to limit greenhouse gas emissions
G)UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
H)study of ancient climates
I)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
greenhouse effect

Question 7

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)movement of Earth's tectonic plates
B)volcanic eruptions
C)combustion of fossil fuels
D)refrigerants
E)changes in solar energy
F)variations in Earth's orbit
G)agriculture
Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

Question 8

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)study of ancient rocks
B)methane and nitrous oxide
C)model of heat exchange for Earth and atmosphere
D)oil and natural gas
E)process that influences the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere
F)voluntary international accord to limit greenhouse gas emissions
G)UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
H)study of ancient climates
I)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Kyoto Protocol

Question 9

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)study of ancient rocks
B)methane and nitrous oxide
C)model of heat exchange for Earth and atmosphere
D)oil and natural gas
E)process that influences the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere
F)voluntary international accord to limit greenhouse gas emissions
G)UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
H)study of ancient climates
I)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
fossil fuels

Question 10

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)study of ancient rocks
B)methane and nitrous oxide
C)model of heat exchange for Earth and atmosphere
D)oil and natural gas
E)process that influences the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere
F)voluntary international accord to limit greenhouse gas emissions
G)UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
H)study of ancient climates
I)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
heat budget

Question 11

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)movement of Earth's tectonic plates
B)volcanic eruptions
C)combustion of fossil fuels
D)refrigerants
E)changes in solar energy
F)variations in Earth's orbit
G)agriculture
sunspots

Question 12

Feedback loops are the interactions among the Earth's five spheres that either amplify or diminish changes in climate.

Question 13

Changes in the Earth's orbit can impact climate by increasing or decreasing solar input.

Question 14

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)movement of Earth's tectonic plates
B)volcanic eruptions
C)combustion of fossil fuels
D)refrigerants
E)changes in solar energy
F)variations in Earth's orbit
G)agriculture
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Question 15

The fourth IPCC report on international climate change (2007)confirmed that human activity has produced climate change beginning in the mid-20ᵗʰ century.

Question 16

Studying carbon dioxide trapped in seafloor sediments can be used to predict future climate patterns.

Question 17

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)study of ancient rocks
B)methane and nitrous oxide
C)model of heat exchange for Earth and atmosphere
D)oil and natural gas
E)process that influences the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere
F)voluntary international accord to limit greenhouse gas emissions
G)UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
H)study of ancient climates
I)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
paleoclimatology

Question 18

Volcanic eruptions have no impact on global climate patterns, they only affect local climate.

Question 19

Changes occur in the Earth's climate due to changes in the relative position of the Earth's tectonic plates.

Question 20

Match the term or phrase with the best descriptor. Use each answer once, more than once, or not at all.

A)study of ancient rocks
B)methane and nitrous oxide
C)model of heat exchange for Earth and atmosphere
D)oil and natural gas
E)process that influences the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere
F)voluntary international accord to limit greenhouse gas emissions
G)UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
H)study of ancient climates
I)Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IPCC

Question 21

About 47% of the incoming shortwave solar radiation from the Sun is absorbed by the oceans and the continents.

Question 22

Variations in Earth's orbit that influence long-term climate changes include:

A)the shape of Earth's orbit (eccentricity).
B)the tilt of Earth's axis of rotation (obliquity).
C)the wobbling of Earth's axis of rotation (precession).
D)All of the above are correct.
E)None of the above is correct.

Question 23

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)has the greatest relative contribution to increasing the greenhouse effect compared to other anthropogenically produced greenhouse gases.

Question 24

Natural causes for global climate change include all of the following except:

A)changes in solar input.
B)increase in elevation.
C)tectonic plate movement.
D)variation in the Earth's orbit.
E)volcanic activity.

Question 25

An increase in cloud cover due to higher moisture content in the atmosphere is an example of a:

A)positive-feedback loop.
B)negative-feedback loop.
C)neutral feedback loop.
D)All of the above are correct.
E)None of the above is correct.

Question 26

Greenhouse gases are compounds in the Earth's atmosphere that dissipate heat.

Question 27

The Kyoto Protocol establishes limits on greenhouse gas emissions and is supported by the United States.

Question 28

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)has the greatest infrared absorption per molecule compared to other anthropogenically produced greenhouse gases.

Question 29

Sea surface temperatures have remained unchanged during the past 50 years.

Question 30

Dissolved carbon dioxide and pH in the oceans are inversely related.

Question 31

Melting ice on land and thermal expansion of water are two of the most important factors causing sea level rise.

Question 32

The Earth's average surface temperature has increased 0.6°C over the past 30 years.

Question 33

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with subsequent absorption by the oceans, have caused an increase in ocean pH.

Question 34

An increase in cloud cover and a corresponding decrease in absorption of solar radiation is an example of a:

A)positive-feedback loop.
B)negative-feedback loop.
C)neutral feedback loop.
D)All of the above are correct.
E)None of the above is correct.

Question 35

If all greenhouse gas emissions by humans were reduced to zero, the Earth is still projected to keep warming for the foreseeable future.

Question 36

The concentration of methane (natural gas)exhibits the greatest current rate of increase compared to other greenhouse gases.

Question 37

All of the following are parts of Earth's climate system except the:

A)exosphere.
B)atmosphere.
C)hydrosphere.
D)biosphere.
E)geosphere.

Question 38

The oceans have absorbed the majority of the increased heat in the atmosphere.

Question 39

Earth has a natural greenhouse effect, principally due to water vapor.

Question 40

Worldwide retreat of mountain glaciers has not been documented to date.

Question 41

All of the following are organisms mostly likely to be directly affected by ocean acidification except:

A)coccolithophores.
B)fishes.
C)pteropods.
D)urchins.
E)hard corals.

Question 42

The world's oceans play a role in reducing global warming by:

A)absorbing surplus heat energy.
B)increasing oceanic primary productivity.
C)moving carbon dioxide and nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface ocean.
D)removing CO₂ and sequestering CO₂ above the thermocline.
E)trapping CO₂ in sea ice.

Question 43

Over the past 30 years, Earth's average surface temperature has risen by:

A)0)1°C.
B)0)6°C.
C)2)0°C.
D)2)6°C.
E)4)0°C.

Question 44

A reduction in the strength of the Gulf Stream and a decrease in North Atlantic Deep-water formation would most likely result in:

A)a cooling of the climate in northern Europe.
B)a decrease in precipitation over France, Spain, and Portugal.
C)an increase in North Sea storm intensity.
D)longer and hotter summers in southern Europe.
E)shorter and warmer winters in central Europe.

Question 45

Which of the following is not an effect of climate change in the oceans?

A)decreasing ocean acidity
B)increasing ocean temperatures
C)increasing hurricane intensity
D)changes in deep-water circulation
E)melting of polar ice

Question 46

Which of the following is not a consequence of global warming?

A)droughts in prime agricultural areas
B)increasing hurricane intensity
C)melting of glacial ice
D)shifts in the world-wide distribution of plant and animal communities
E)All of the above are consequences of global warming.

Question 47

Which of the following atmospheric constituents has the least ability to absorb heat on a per-mole basis?

A)carbon dioxide (CO₂)
B)methane (CH₄)
C)nitrous oxide (N₂O)
D)chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
E)ozone (O₃)

Question 48

Recent worldwide sea level rise can be attributed to all of the following except the:

A)geological uplifting of ocean basins.
B)melting of Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets.
C)melting of land-based glaciers and mountain ice caps.
D)thermal expansion of deep-ocean waters.
E)thermal expansion of surface ocean waters.

Question 49

Since 1750, the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased by almost:

A)10%.
B)20%.
C)30%.
D)40%.
E)50%.

Question 50

Domestic cattle production and rice agriculture release relatively large amounts of which gas into the atmosphere?

A)carbon dioxide (CO₂)
B)chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
C)methane (CH₄)
D)ozone (O₃)
E)water vapor (H₂O)

Question 51

The gas(es)that has/have the greatest relative contribution to increasing the greenhouse effect is/are:

A)carbon dioxide (CO₂).
B)chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
C)methane (CH₄).
D)nitrous oxide (N₂O).
E)ozone (O₃).

Question 52

Concerned individuals can reduce their personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by doing all of the following except:

A)install low flow plumbing fixtures.
B)planting trees and increasing green space areas.
C)purchase recycled products.
D)reducing the area covered by pavement or structures (houses, garages, pools, decks, etc)in urban and suburban areas.
E)use of compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs.

Question 53

The zone ocean where sound can travel extremely long distances is called the:

A)pycnocline.
B)SOFAR channel.
C)SONAR channel.
D)surface mix layer.
E)thermocline.

Question 54

Satellite data show that the rate of global sea level rise since 1993 is on average about:

A)0)5 inches/year.
B)0)3 feet/year.
C)3 millimeters/year.
D)0)3 meters/year.
E)0)006 kilometers/year.

Question 55

Approximately what percentage of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the oceans and continents?

A)23%
B)30%
C)35%
D)47%
E)75%

Question 56

Which of the following atmospheric constituents has the greatest ability to absorb heat on a per-mole basis?

A)carbon dioxide (CO₂)
B)chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
C)methane (CH₄)
D)ozone (O₃)
E)water vapor (H₂O)

Question 57

Hazards associated with sea level rise include all of the following except:

A)drowning of beaches.
B)accelerated coastal erosion.
C)permanent inland flooding.
D)increasing damage from storms.
E)All of the above are correct.

Question 58

Burning of fossil fuels is chemically similar to:

A)autotrophic processes.
B)chemosynthesis.
C)metabolism.
D)photosynthesis.
E)respiration.

Question 59

An international agreement to voluntarily limit greenhouse gas emissions is called the:

A)Coriolis Protocol.
B)IPCC.
C)Keating Conference.
D)Kyoto Protocol.
E)United Nations Environmental Programme.

Question 60

The atmospheric component that naturally contributes to the majority of greenhouse warming on Earth is:

A)carbon dioxide.
B)methane.
C)nitrous oxide.
D)ozone.
E)water vapor.

Question 61

Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A. CH₄ (methane)
B) CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
C) N₂ (molecular nitrogen)
D) N₂O (nitrous oxide)
E) O₃ (ozone)

Question 62

What is the Kyoto Protocol? How has this accord impacted worldwide policies regarding greenhouse gas emissions?

Question 63

Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A. anthropogenic CO₂ inputs
B) changes in solar input
C) tectonic plate movement
D) variation in the Earth's orbit
E) volcanic activity

Question 64

Describe the role of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Question 65

Briefly describe some of the changes that are already occurring in the oceans because of global warming.

Question 66

Discuss the sources of information used by scientists to reconstruct climatic data prior to the era of modern climate records.

Question 67

Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A. changes in deep water circulation
B) decreased hurricane intensity
C) increased ocean acidity
D) polar ice melting
E) sea level rise

Question 68

Briefly discuss the human-caused greenhouse gases in terms of their relative concentrations in the atmosphere and their relative contributions to global warming.

Question 69

What is the difference between weather and climate? For example, if it rains in a particular location during the day, does that mean that the area has a wet climate? Explain.

Question 70

List and define the five components of Earth's climate system.

Question 71

Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A. Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet melting
B) deep ocean water thermal expansion
C) melting of terrestrial glaciers and ice caps
D) surface ocean water thermal expansion
E) tectonic uplifting

Question 72

Briefly describe the observed changes in the world's oceans as a function of increased mean atmospheric temperature.

Question 73

Examine the five words and/or phrases and determine the relationship among the majority of words/phrases. Choose the one option that does not fit the pattern.
A. atmosphere
B) biosphere
C) cryosphere
D) geosphere
E) lithosphere

Question 74

Discuss the idea that present day climate changes are part of a larger natural atmospheric cycle. Support your position with evidence from Chapter 16.

Question 75

Explain the processes currently responsible for worldwide sea level rise. How will these changes in sea level affect coastal nations?