1
What is the general term for a long-term average of weather conditions?
climate
Strategies to address climate change are important. However, it could be ___________ years or more before the effects of today’s actions are felt.
100
Name two effects of warming on oceans described in the lesson.
Sea level rise (from melting ice and thermal expansion) and ocean acidification (lower pH from dissolved CO2).
FREE SPACE: YOU GET CANDY
YAY
What are many marine organisms shells and skeletons made of?
calcium
Explain why increasing greenhouse gases lead to global warming in one sentence.
More greenhouse gases trap more thermal energy that would otherwise escape, raising Earth's average surface temperature.
_______________________________ is the loss of color when stressed corals expel their symbiotic algae, caused by temperature increases and other stresses; it can kill corals and destroy habitats.
coral bleaching
Give two human activities named in the lesson that increase atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Burning fossil fuels and deforestation/land use changes.
What name is given to gases that absorb Earth's outgoing infrared radiation and warm the planet?
greenhouse gases
What type of acid does carbon dioxide and seawater make?
carbonic acid
What is the natural process called when certain atmospheric gases absorb and reradiate thermal energy, keeping Earth warm enough for life?
the greenhouse effect
Give one example from the lesson of how humans are adapting to climate change
France: planting crops that tolerate warmer temperatures; Austria: adding hiking trails and golf courses at ski resorts; Denmark: planning raised subway systems.
What happens to sea ice's ability to reflect sunlight as it decreases, and what effect does that have?
Less sea ice means less reflection and more dark ocean surface that absorbs sunlight, causing further warming (positive feedback).
Name two engineering or technology strategies mentioned that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar energy, wind energy, and hybrid vehicles (use of electric motors to reduce fuel use)
How can ocean acidification affect marine organisms that build shells and skeletons?
Increased acidity makes it harder for them to absorb calcium, weakening or dissolving shells and skeletons.
Name one natural source and one biological source of atmospheric CO2 mentioned in the text.
Natural source: volcanic eruptions (or forest fires). Biological source: cellular respiration in organisms.
Is higher or lower pH acidic?
lower
Which greenhouse gas is described as having the greatest effect on recent climate change and is increasing mainly from burning fossil fuels?
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
Free space: you get candy!
YAY!
What is the term for the Earth system made up of frozen water, including glaciers and ice sheets?
the cryosphere