Feedback
What is a feedback loop in Earth’s systems?
A process where a change causes effects that either increase (positive feedback) or decrease (negative feedback) the original change.
What is the primary source of energy driving Earth’s climate system?
The sun
What is the purpose of a global climate model?
To simulate and predict changes in Earth’s climate system.
What is the basic unit of life?
The cell
What organelle is known as the “powerhouse of the cell”?
The mitochondria.
This type of feedback occurs when melting ice exposes darker ocean water, causing more heat absorption and even more melting.
Positive feedback
What gas in Earth’s atmosphere traps heat and contributes to the greenhouse effect?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, or water vapor
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels increase the concentration of what major greenhouse gas?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
What force keeps planets orbiting around the Sun?
Gravity.
What is the chemical symbol for gold?
Au
Volcanic ash clouds can cool Earth’s surface because they do what to incoming sunlight?
Reflect or block sunlight from reaching Earth’s surface.
Oceans help regulate Earth’s climate mainly because they can do what with heat?
Absorb and store large amounts of heat energy.
Name one human activity besides burning fossil fuels that contributes to climate change.
Deforestation, agriculture, livestock production, cement production, etc.
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release what gas?
Oxygen
What process changes liquid water into water vapor?
Evaporation.
Ice ages are considered what type of Earth system time scale: sudden, intermediate, or very long-term?
Intermediate time scale.
Why do land surfaces heat up and cool down faster than oceans?
Land has a lower specific heat capacity than water.
Why do climate scientists continue to improve climate models?
To make more accurate predictions and better understand climate processes and human impacts.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions; climate is long-term patterns over time.
What is the pH of a neutral substance?
7
Plate tectonics and mountain building are examples of Earth processes occurring on what type of time scale?
Very long-term tectonic cycles.
What large-scale ocean circulation system helps distribute heat around the planet?
Ocean currents
Climate models include both natural factors and human influences. Give one example of each.
Natural: volcanic eruptions, solar variation, ocean currents.
Human: greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial activity.
What type of rock forms when magma or lava cools and solidifies?
Igneous rock.
What are the three main types of plate boundaries?
Divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.