Atmosphere Basics
What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen (about 78%).
What is Earth's main source of incoming energy?
The Sun.
Approximately how many years of observations are commonly used to describe climate?
30 years.
Does global sea level generally rise or fall as Earth warms?
Rise.
What is climate change mitigation?
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing their removal.
Which layer of the atmosphere contains most weather events?
Troposphere.
Name one greenhouse gas other than carbon dioxide.
Methane, water vapour or nitrous oxide.
What does anthropogenic mean?
Caused by human activities.
Name one possible impact of climate change on precipitation patterns.
More intense rainfall in some regions or increased drought in others.
What is climate change adaptation?
Adjusting to actual or expected climate change to reduce its harmful effects.
What is an atmospheric aerosol?
A solid particle or liquid droplet suspended in air.
What type of radiation does Earth's surface emit after absorbing solar energy?
Long-wave infrared radiation.
Name one human activity that increases atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Burning fossil fuels or deforestation.
As temperatures rise, in which directions may species move to find cooler conditions?
Towards the poles or higher altitudes.
Is building a flood barrier an example of mitigation or adaptation?
Adaptation.
Why does the equator receive more concentrated solar energy than the poles?
Sunlight strikes the equator more directly, concentrating energy over a smaller area.
What does albedo measure?
The proportion of incoming radiation reflected by a surface.
How can ice cores provide information about past atmospheric conditions?
Trapped air bubbles preserve samples of ancient atmospheric gases.
What is a positive feedback loop in a climate system?
A process that amplifies an initial change.
Name one way electricity generation can be decarbonized.
Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind or other low-carbon energy sources.
Name the three atmospheric circulation cells in each hemisphere.
Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells.
What is the difference between the natural and enhanced greenhouse effects?
The natural effect keeps Earth warm enough for life; the enhanced effect causes additional warming from increased greenhouse gases.
What two patterns can be observed in the Keeling Curve?
A long-term increase in atmospheric CO₂ and regular seasonal fluctuations.
Why can melting ice cause further global warming?
Melting ice lowers albedo, exposing darker surfaces that absorb more solar energy and increase warming.
Why is international cooperation important in addressing climate change?
The atmosphere is shared globally, so emissions from one country affect other countries.