Section 9 Paleoclimatology Quiz

Why do paleoclimatologists study Earth’s climate history?

• To understand past climate patterns, identify natural climate variability, and predict future climate changes.
• To understand the geological formation of mountains
• To learn about the migration patterns of animals
• To study the history of ancient civilizations

What is the difference between the glacial maxima phase and the interglacial phase of an ice age?

• The difference is that the glacial maxima phase is characterized by maximum ice sheet extent, while the interglacial phase is characterized by ice sheet retreat and warmer climate.
• The difference is that the glacial maxima phase is characterized by maximum ice sheet extent, while the interglacial phase is characterized by cooler climate.
• The difference is that the glacial maxima phase is characterized by ice sheet retreat, while the interglacial phase is characterized by maximum ice sheet extent.
• The difference is that the glacial maxima phase is characterized by warmer climate, while the interglacial phase is characterized by maximum ice sheet extent.

List the names of the five main ice ages and how long each lasted.

• Huronian, Cryogenian, Andean-Saharan, Karoo Ice Age, and Quaternary glaciation. The Quaternary glaciation has lasted for approximately 2.58 million years.
• Siberian Ice Age, 1 million years
• Antarctic Ice Age, 500,000 years
• Arctic Ice Age, 100,000 years

What did paleoclimatologists conclude after studying the Thanatophilus dispar beetle?

• The Thanatophilus dispar beetle is a recent species
• The Thanatophilus dispar beetle is not found in areas with extreme climate variations
• The Thanatophilus dispar beetle is not affected by climate change
• The Thanatophilus dispar beetle can be used as an indicator of past climate conditions.

What are oxygen and carbon isotopes and what can they tell us about the past?

• Oxygen and carbon isotopes have no relation to past climate conditions
• Oxygen and carbon isotopes are used for dating archaeological artifacts
• Oxygen and carbon isotopes can predict future climate patterns
• Oxygen and carbon isotopes can provide information about past climate conditions, including temperature and precipitation levels.

What is the difference between surface currents and deep currents?

• Surface currents are caused by the Earth's rotation, while deep currents are caused by the moon's gravitational pull.
• Surface currents are driven by density differences and occur below 400 meters, while deep currents are driven by wind and occur in the top 400 meters of the ocean.
• Surface currents occur in the Arctic Ocean, while deep currents occur in the Pacific Ocean.
• Surface currents are driven by wind and occur in the top 400 meters of the ocean, while deep currents are driven by density differences and occur below 400 meters.

How is global warming impacting ocean currents? If it continues, what might happen?

• Global warming has no impact on ocean currents
• If it continues, it might lead to increased fish population
• Global warming will cause ocean currents to become more stable
• Global warming is impacting ocean currents by disrupting the flow of warm and cold water. If it continues, it could lead to changes in weather patterns, sea level rise, and disruption of marine ecosystems.

Seasonal changes in oxygen levels make many fish relocate higher or lower in water.

• True

• False

Red crabs migrate to the beach each spring to find food and warm weather.

• True

• False

The humpback whale makes one of the longest migrations of any mammal.

• True

• False