Question 1

Which of the following is not a variable in the IPAT equation?

Accepted Answer

Demographic is not a variable in the IPAT equation. The IPAT equation is a formula used to calculate the environmental impact of human activity. It is calculated by multiplying population by affluence and technology.

Question 2

Throughout history, there have been times when human population growth __________ as a result of the development of new technologies, and times when population growth __________ as a result of environmental resistance.

Accepted Answer

Technological advancements often lead to increased resources and improved living conditions, causing population growth to surge. Conversely, environmental resistance, such as disease or resource scarcity, can slow population growth.

Question 3

Where is desertification occurring today?

Accepted Answer

Desertification is occurring in the Sahel region of Africa due to factors like climate change, overgrazing, and deforestation, leading to the degradation of land in arid and semi-arid areas.

Question 4

About how many hectares of arid land do some researchers believe have increased since 1931 as a result of a 30% decline in rainfall during this interval in arid regions (versus human contribution to land degradation)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of About how many hectares of arid land...

Question 5

Which of the following is a reason to build a dam?

Accepted Answer

Dams are constructed for multiple purposes, including flood control, generating hydroelectric power, and diverting water to other locations.

Question 6

Which of the following happened to parts of Lake Erie in the 1970s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1970s, parts of Lake Erie experienced oxygen depletion, leading to dead zones where aquatic life could not survive. This was primarily due to pollution and nutrient runoff causing eutrophication.

Question 7

What happened in Chernobyl, Ukraine in 1986?

Accepted Answer

In 1986, Chernobyl, Ukraine experienced a nuclear meltdown at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which resulted in a catastrophic release of radioactive materials.

Question 8

As a result of measures to cut back on emissions of ozone-depleting substances, stratospheric ozone levels are expected to return to 1980 levels by around __________ in midlatitude regions and __________ in Antarctica.

Accepted Answer

Stratospheric ozone levels are projected to return to 1980 levels by around 2045 in midlatitude regions and by 2080 in Antarctica due to the reduction of ozone-depleting substances.

Question 9

What is the pH of natural rain?

Accepted Answer

Natural rain has a pH of about 5.6 due to the presence of carbonic acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water.

Question 10

How is carbonic acid (HCO3) formed in the atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water (H2O), resulting in the formation of H2CO3.

Question 11

The only gas in the atmosphere that can absorb UV rays is

Accepted Answer

Ozone is the only gas in the atmosphere that effectively absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting living organisms on Earth from harmful UV radiation.

Question 12

Depletion of the Earth's ozone layer is expected to lead to which of the following consequences?

Accepted Answer

Ozone depletion allows more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can cause skin cancer, damage plankton, and increase sea surface temperatures.

Question 13

Acid rain is primarily a problem of

Accepted Answer

Acid rain is primarily a problem in developed nations due to their high levels of industrialization and the burning of fossil fuels, which release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Question 14

The major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane are the major greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Question 15

Which of the following statements concerning global warming is false?

Accepted Answer

The seven warmest years in recorded history have occurred in the 21st century, not between 1903 to 1910.

Question 16

Which international agreement led to the phase out of the use of CFCs?

Accepted Answer

The Montreal Protocol of 1987 was specifically designed to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

Question 17

What do most current climate models suggest will happen to global temperatures by the end of the 21st Century?

Accepted Answer

Most current climate models project that global temperatures will rise by at least 2 to 4 degrees Centigrade by the end of the 21st century, depending on greenhouse gas emissions and other factors.

Question 18

Which of the following greenhouse gases is the most efficient in absorbing infrared radiation?

Accepted Answer

Methane is more efficient at absorbing infrared radiation compared to carbon dioxide and water vapor, making it a more potent greenhouse gas on a per molecule basis.

Question 19

Tropical areas are biodiversity "hotspots". They represent just __________ percent of the world's land surface, but collectively hold at least 44 percent of all vascular plant species and 38 percent of all vertebrate animal species.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Tropical areas are biodiversity "hotspots". They represent...

Question 20

The results of the Montreal protocol of 1987 include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Montreal Protocol of 1987 is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The results of the Montreal Protocol include:A) Recycling of CFCs: The Montreal Protocol requires the recycling of CFCs to prevent their release into the atmosphere.B) Reduced production of CFCs: The Montreal Protocol has led to a significant reduction in the production of CFCs, which are the main ozone-depleting substances.C) Production of alternatives to CFCs: The Montreal Protocol has encouraged the development and production of alternatives to CFCs, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Quiz 19: The Changing Earth System