Climate Basics
What is the difference between climate change and global warming?
Global warming refers to temperature increase, while climate change includes all long-term climate changes.
Name two natural things that could cause the climate to change.
Volcanic eruptions, solar activity fluctuations, tectonic shifts
What are formed underground that humans extract and burn for energy, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere?
Fossil fuels
What do greenhouse gases do?
Trap heat in the atmosphere.
This type of data is indirect evidence used to study past climates.
Proxy data
Why is it warmer at the equator and colder near the poles?
The Sun’s rays hit the equator at a more direct angle.
This term means caused by human activity.
Anthropogenic
What is land use change and what are two examples of it?
Humans changing how the land is used; Deforestation and urban development
Name three greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Water Vapor (H2O), Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Which of the following is NOT evidence of climate change?
A. Increasing global temperatures
B. Declining Arctic sea ice
C. Decreasing levels of carbon dioxide
D. More frequent extreme weather events
C. Decreasing levels of carbon dioxide
Scientists are concerned about modern climate change mainly because of this.
It is happening at a much faster rate than natural climate changes in the past.
What is urban development and how does it contribute to climate change?
Building cities; urban activities are a main source of greenhouse gas emissions, from the heating/cooling and powering of large buildings, to the fossil fuel-powered transportation.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Carbon dioxide stored in the trees is released and there are less trees to photosynthesize.
Is the greenhouse effect good, bad, or both? Explain.
Both: The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth warm enough for survival (good), but human activities are adding too many greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, trapping too much heat and causing the Earth to warm too much (bad).
How do ice cores help scientists study past climate conditions?
They trap ancient air and particles, revealing past temperatures, atmospheric gases, and events like volcanic eruptions.
What are the five main factors that influence the climate of a given area?
Sun, Wind, Vegetation, Oceans, and Topography
How does ice help prevent warming?
Ice reflects sunlight due to its light color.
What are two ways agriculture contributes to climate change?
Things like fertilizers and manure release nitrous oxide. Livestock produces methane.
What greenhouse gas do landfills release when organic matter breaks down?
Methane (CH4)
Why do CO₂ levels at Mauna Loa fluctuate throughout the year?
Due to seasonal changes in plant activity.