Past climate changes occurred because of
A)variations in the solar constant
B)a steady decrease in temperature from the beginning of time until the Industrial Revolution
C)celestial and geophysical factors
D)a steady,uniform decrease in the atmosphere's ability to hold moisture.
E)chaotic,non-cyclic changes in Earth's elliptical orbit.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Celestial and geophysical factors such as changes in Earth's orbit, volcanism, and solar radiation have been identified as the primary drivers of past climate changes. Variations in the solar constant and changes in the atmosphere's ability to hold moisture have also played a role, but they are secondary factors. There is no evidence of a steady decrease in temperature from the beginning of time until the Industrial Revolution, and changes in Earth's elliptical orbit are cyclical rather than chaotic.

Past Climate Changes Occurred Because of