Question 1

As of the mid-twentieth century, what was the doubling time for human population?

Accepted Answer

As of the mid-twentieth century, the doubling time for human population was approximately 47 years. This means that if the population growth rate remained constant, the global population would double every 47 years.

Question 2

Observations indicate that the global volume of ice has remained fairly constant for the past several decades.

Accepted Answer

While certain regions may experience an increase in ice volume, overall observations have shown a significant decrease in global ice volume over the past several decades due to global warming and melting ice sheets.

Question 3

Significant scientific question still remains regarding whether or not Earth's climate is warming

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that Earth's climate is indeed warming due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, causing an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 4

The oil window is located between ___ and ___ kilometers depth in the Earth's crust.

Accepted Answer

The oil window is located between 2 and 5 kilometers depth in the Earth's crust.

Question 5

A geologic structure or rock type that creates an impermeable layer that inhibits the upward migration of oil is called an oil

Accepted Answer

The answer of A geologic structure or rock type that...

Question 6

Approximately 22% of the world's remaining oil reserves are found in

Accepted Answer

According to the latest estimates, Saudi Arabia has approximately 22% of the world's remaining oil reserves, making it the country with the largest share. The United States and Central and South America do have significant oil reserves, but they do not have as much as Saudi Arabia.

Question 7

The United States consumes about ___ times more barrels of oil than it produces each year.

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2019 the United States consumed 20.46 million barrels of petroleum per day but only produced 12.23 million barrels per day, making the consumption to production ratio about 1.67 or three times more consumption than production.

Question 8

What is the term for hard coal?

Accepted Answer

The term for hard coal is anthracite. Lignite is a soft brown coal and bituminous is a medium-grade coal between lignite and anthracite.

Question 9

The Three Mile Island nuclear reactor accident occurred in

Accepted Answer

The Three Mile Island nuclear reactor accident occurred on March 28, 1979.

Question 10

Which of the world's currently used non-renewable energy resources is thought to exist in greatest abundance?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the world's currently used non-renewable...

Question 11

What does "Hubbert's Peak" indicate about U.S. oil production?

Accepted Answer

Hubbert's Peak, also known as Peak Oil Theory, predicts that oil production follows a bell-shaped curve with a peak point, after which production declines. This theory was developed by M. King Hubbert, a geologist who accurately predicted the peak of U.S. oil production in 1970. Therefore, the best choice is C, which states that U.S. oil production peaked in 1970.

Question 12

Which grade of coal has the highest carbon content?

Accepted Answer

Anthracite has the highest carbon content among the four grades of coal, with a carbon content ranging from 86% to 98%. Peat has the lowest carbon content and lignite and bituminous have progressively higher carbon content than peat but lower than anthracite.

Question 13

At current rates of use in the U.S., about how long are domestic coal resources projected to last?

Accepted Answer

Domestic coal resources in the U.S. are projected to last for a few hundred years at current rates of use, indicating a substantial reserve that can support long-term energy needs if coal continues to be a significant part of the energy mix.

Question 14

Which list ranks fossil fuels in order of increasing carbon dioxide released per unit of energy produced?

Accepted Answer

Natural gas emits the least CO2 per unit of energy produced, followed by oil, with coal emitting the most.

Question 15

The resources of an earth material are greater than the reserves, but the calculation of resources is less certain than the calculation of reserves.

Accepted Answer

Resources refer to the total amount of a material that exists in the Earth's crust, regardless of its accessibility or economic viability. Reserves, on the other hand, refer to the portion of the resource that has been identified, quantified, and is economically feasible to extract. While resources may be greater in quantity, their calculation involves more uncertainty and estimation than that of reserves.

Question 16

In 2004, about what percent of U.S. energy consumption was supplied by solar energy?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy made up a very small part of U.S. energy consumption in 2004, accounting for only 0.06% of total energy consumption.

Question 17

Where is the Three Gorges Dam hydroelectric facility being built?

Accepted Answer

The Three Gorges Dam hydroelectric facility is being built in China.

Question 18

Where is the world's largest facility for producing electricity from natural steam?

Accepted Answer

The world's largest facility for producing electricity from natural steam is located in California, specifically at The Geysers, a geothermal field. This facility harnesses the natural steam found beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity, making it a significant source of renewable energy.

Question 19

Recently, the United States has increased the rate at which new nuclear power plants are being installed.

Accepted Answer

While there have been discussions about increasing the use of nuclear power in the US, there has not been a significant increase in the rate at which new nuclear power plants are being installed. In fact, many existing plants are facing closure due to economic challenges.

Question 20

Energy experts expect that in the coming decades U.S. hydroelectric power will decline in the proportion it contributes to overall U.S. energy production.

Accepted Answer

While hydroelectric power will still contribute a significant portion of U.S. renewable energy, experts expect that other renewable sources such as wind and solar will increase in proportion and surpass hydroelectric power in overall U.S. energy production in the coming decades. Furthermore, the potential for new large-scale hydroelectric projects in the U.S. is limited, as most large rivers have already been dammed.

Quiz 14: Human Impact on Earths Environment