As we burn fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide, the temperature of our planet and the oceans will increase. When the oceans warm they will release more carbon dioxide, further warming the planet and oceans. If this occurs rapidly and causes a sudden rise in temperature, a(n) ________ has been crossed and that the planet has moved into a state of ________.
A) input level; equilibrium
B) input level; disequilibrium
C) threshold; equilibrium
D) threshold; disequilibrium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option D states that a threshold has been crossed and the planet has moved into a state of disequilibrium. This is because the sudden rise in temperature caused by the release of carbon dioxide from the oceans is beyond the normal range of climate variability and has pushed the Earth's systems out of balance. Option A and C are incorrect because they do not account for the sudden and significant changes that occur when a threshold is crossed. Option B is incorrect because it implies that the Earth is already in a state of disequilibrium, which may not be true until a threshold is crossed.

As We Burn Fossil Fuels and Release Carbon Dioxide, the Temperature