Question 1

The Earth's climate has not really changed much over geologic time.

Accepted Answer

The Earth's climate has gone through numerous changes over geologic time, including ice ages and periods of warming.

Question 2

Types of rocks that geologists study for past climate include all except:

Accepted Answer

Geologists study tillite, deep sea sediment cores, fossiliferous limestone, and evaporates to infer past climate. Quartz is not typically studied for this purpose.

Question 3

Which of the following is an isotope of oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons. O-16 and O-18 are both isotopes of oxygen, with O-16 having 8 neutrons and O-18 having 10 neutrons. Choice C and D are not valid symbols for any oxygen isotopes.

Question 4

What is a driver of climate?

Accepted Answer

A driver of climate is a force or factor that creates changes in the Earth's climate, such as greenhouse gas emissions or changes in solar radiation.

Question 5

President Obama's goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ________ by 2050.

Accepted Answer

President Obama's goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. This goal was set in his Climate Action Plan announced in June 2013. The aim is to limit the impact of climate change by reducing carbon pollution and the use of non-renewable energy sources.

Question 6

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-carbon sequestration

Accepted Answer

Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Answer: A, C, E
 Option A refers to the Last Glacial Maximum, which was the time of greatest extent of ice sheets during the last ice age. Option C refers to Glacial till, a type of soil formed by the action of ice sheets. Option E refers to climate drivers, which are factors that influence and interact with each other to drive changes in Earth's climate. However, none of these options specifically matches the definition of carbon sequestration.

Question 7

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-cryogenic distillation

Accepted Answer

Cryogenic distillation is a process used to separate mixtures of gases that are present in the atmosphere by cooling them to very low temperatures until they liquefy. This method is particularly useful for separating gases that have very low boiling points, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, from air.

Question 8

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-feedback mechanism

Accepted Answer

Feedback mechanisms are processes that can either amplify or dampen the effects of climate drivers, essentially describing the interactions and influences among various factors affecting climate. These mechanisms are crucial in understanding how different elements of the climate system respond to and influence each other.

Question 9

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-glacial maximum

Accepted Answer

Glacial maximum refers to the time of maximum extent of the ice sheets in the past.

Answer: B 
 Gas chromatography is a method for determining what gases are present in the atmosphere.

Answer: C 
 Glacial till is the type of soil generated by ice sheets.

Answer: D 
 Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a process that captures and stores carbon dioxide.

Answer: E 
 Climate forcing is the relationships and influences between different drivers of climate.

Question 10

Match the following options to its correct definition.
-tillite

Accepted Answer

Tillite is a type of sedimentary rock formed when glacial till (the material ground up and carried by a glacier) becomes compacted and lithified. It is not directly related to the extent of ice sheets, atmospheric gas analysis, carbon capture processes, or climate drivers but is indeed a type of soil or sediment generated by the action of ice sheets.

Question 11

The most complex models for the Earth's climate are called:

Accepted Answer

Global Climate Models (GCMs) are the most complex models for the Earth's climate as they simulate various climate processes and feedback mechanisms. The other options listed are not climate models, but rather international agreements (Kyoto Protocol), organizations (IPCC), and specific models relating to orbital variations (eccentricity and procession models).

Question 12

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) indicated that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century were very likely due to the increase in man-made greenhouse gas concentrations.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects the findings of the IPCC in their 2007 report on climate change.

Question 13

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) indicated that scientific evidence shows that global average air and ocean temperatures are increasing.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true, as stated by the IPCC in 2007.

Question 14

Paleoclimatology uses all except ________ to understand past climate.

Accepted Answer

Geo-sequestration is the process of storing carbon dioxide (CO2) underground for long-term storage. While it is related to climate change, it is not typically used as a method in paleoclimatology. All the other options listed are commonly used in paleoclimatology to understand past climate. Sea level history can provide insight into past changes in temperature and ice volume, oxygen isotopes from trapped air pockets in glacial ice can provide information on past temperatures, atmospheric composition, and precipitation, sedimentary rocks can offer clues about past environments and climate, and fossils in the rock record can provide evidence of past climates and ecosystems.

Question 15

Where is the ozone layer in our atmosphere? How do CFCs interact with the ozone layer? What are some sources of CFCs?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Where is the ozone layer in our...

Question 16

Describe how greenhouse gases warm our atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how greenhouse gases warm our atmosphere....

Question 17

What gases are considered pollutants? Where do they come from? Do you use any of their sources on a regular basis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What gases are considered pollutants? Where do...

Question 18

List and describe the factors that control climate. Do you think humans have the dominant control on the Earth's climate? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and describe the factors that control...

Question 19

What is the Kyoto Protocol? How does it attempt to regulate climate? Describe U.S. participation in the protocol.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the Kyoto Protocol? How does...

Question 20

How are glaciers used to understand the Earth's climate? List at least 3 ways. Find out more information about a specific glacier (ie., Columbia glacier, Baltoro glacier, Malaspina Glacier). What makes this glacier important or interesting?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are glaciers used to understand the...

Quiz 14: Atmosphere Resources and Climate Change