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What happens to air when it sinks?
It compresses and warms
Polar climates are characterized by__?
low rates of evaporation
Which type of climate is characteristic of Antarctica?
polar
Which climate experiences seasonal periods of perpetual night?
polar
In general, how do highland climates compare to nearby areas at lower elevations?
They are cooler and wetter
How do highland climates differ from polar climates?
Highland climates are localized
What may cause long-term changes in climate?
changes in the shape of Earth's orbit
A very small tilt in earth's axis would likely cause__?
small seasonal variations in temperature
What phenomenon naturally warms Earth's lower atmosphere and surface?
the greenhouse effect
What is not true of green house gasses?
They are produced solely by human activities.
What is the relationship between fossil fuels and the greenhouse effect?
Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
Which greenhouse gas is the most powerful absorber of radiation emitted by Earth?
Carbon dioxide
During the twentieth century, Earth's average surface temperature____?
increased
What is an example of human impact on climate changes?
global warming
Shoreline erosion and coastal flooding are two consequences of____?
a global rise in sea level
Why does global warming may lead to an increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes?
Ocean temperatures will increase
What is not a possible consequence of global warming?
reduction in secondary and intense droughts