Question 1

The glacial history of an area can strongly impact its environmental geology today.

Accepted Answer

Glacial history can leave behind landforms such as moraines, drumlins, and glacial outwash deposits that can impact the geology and geography of an area. Glacial retreat can also lead to changes in sea level and the formation of features such as fjords. All of these factors can affect the environmental geology of an area today.

Question 2

The greenhouse effect has affected global climate for millions of years.

Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect has played a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature for millions of years. Without it, the planet would be too cold for life as we know it. However, human activities have intensified the greenhouse effect in recent decades, leading to global warming and other climate changes.

Question 3

Desertification is caused solely by human activities such as overgrazing and overcultivation.

Accepted Answer

Desertification can be caused by both human activities (such as overgrazing, deforestation, and improper irrigation practices) and natural processes (including climate change and natural variability in weather patterns).

Question 4

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have the capacity to influence both the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion.

Accepted Answer

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a type of gas that can contribute to both the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs can trap heat and contribute to global warming, similar to other greenhouse gases. Additionally, CFCs can break down and release chlorine atoms, which can then destroy ozone molecules in the ozone layer. This leads to a thinning of the ozone layer, which can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Question 5

El Niño effects are typically restricted to the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Accepted Answer

El Niño effects can also have global impacts, including changes in weather patterns, ocean currents, and marine ecosystems. These effects can be particularly strong in areas such as North America, South America, and Africa.

Question 6

________ gases are responsible for both ozone depletion and greenhouse warming.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ gases are responsible for both ozone...

Question 7

________ is the process by which particulate air pollution reflects solar energy and cools the Earth's surface.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ is the process by which particulate...

Question 8

Ice core data from Antarctica show that greenhouse gas concentrations have been higher during glaciations and lower during interglaciations.

Accepted Answer

Ice core data from Antarctica actually show the opposite: greenhouse gas concentrations have been lower during glaciations (ice ages) and higher during interglaciations (warmer periods).

Question 9

________ cycles control the amount of solar radiation received at important latitudes, and, therefore, control the temporal pattern of the ice ages.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ cycles control the amount of solar...

Question 10

Large, explosive volcanic eruptions eject large quantities of ________ into the stratosphere, causing temporary global cooling.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Large, explosive volcanic eruptions eject large quantities...

Question 11

________ events reflect changes in atmospheric flow and water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ events reflect changes in atmospheric flow...

Question 12

Deserts typically are completely devoid of vegetation and are covered with sand dunes.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Deserts can have vegetation, including cacti, succulents, and other drought-resistant plants, and not all deserts are covered with sand dunes. Some deserts, such as those in Antarctica, are actually covered with snow and ice.

Question 13

The ________ Warm Period coincided with a time of increased solar radiation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ________ Warm Period coincided with a...

Question 14

Anomalously rapid movement of glacial ice is termed ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Anomalously rapid movement of glacial ice is...

Question 15

The ocean ________ is largely responsible for keeping northern Europe relatively warm.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ocean ________ is largely responsible for...

Question 16

Milankovitch cycles are largely responsible for the warming that has occurred over the last 150 years.

Accepted Answer

Milankovitch cycles refer to changes in the Earth's orbit and axial tilt, which occur on much longer timescales than the warming observed over the last 150 years. The primary cause of the recent warming is greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels.

Question 17

Because the amount of solar radiation received by the Earth is constant, factors such as greenhouse gas concentrations, atmospheric particulate concentrations, and oceanic circulation must be the principal driving factors of climate change.

Accepted Answer

The amount of solar radiation received by the Earth is not actually constant - it varies due to factors such as changes in the Earth's orbit, solar activity, and volcanic activity. However, greenhouse gas concentrations, atmospheric particulate concentrations, and oceanic circulation are still important drivers of climate change.

Question 18

The ________ of construction on permafrost focuses on a maintenance of frozen conditions in the ground.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ________ of construction on permafrost focuses...

Question 19

________ are mathematical representations of atmospheric processes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ are mathematical representations of atmospheric processes....

Question 20

________ is windblown silt that covers much of the upper Midwest, as well as other areas.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ is windblown silt that covers much...

Quiz 18: Global Climate Change