Snowball Earth Quiz

What is the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis?

• A theory that Earth was once completely frozen over.

• A theory that Earth was once covered in deserts.

• A theory that Earth was once entirely underwater.

• A theory that Earth was once covered in forests.

What period is associated with the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis?

• Neoproterozoic

• Paleozoic

• Mesozoic

• Cenozoic

What gas is believed to have helped Earth escape the 'Snowball Earth' state?

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

• Nitrogen

What phenomenon is responsible for the runaway freeze in the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis?

• Ice-albedo feedback

• Greenhouse effect

• Volcanic eruptions

• Solar flares

What type of deposits are found mixed with glacial debris from the Neoproterozoic?

• Salt deposits

• Iron-rich deposits

• Gold deposits

• Coal deposits

What is the significance of cap carbonates in the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis?

• They show evidence of volcanic activity.

• They are evidence of ancient forests.

• They indicate a lack of biological activity.

• They indicate a rapid transition from glacial to tropical climates.

What is the role of volcanic activity in the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis?

• It had no significant role.

• It caused the initial freeze.

• It melted the glaciers directly.

• It supplied carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

What is the relationship between the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis and the Cambrian explosion?

• The 'Snowball Earth' events occurred after the Cambrian explosion.

• There is no relationship between the two.

• The Cambrian explosion caused the 'Snowball Earth' events.

• The extreme conditions may have spurred genetic change leading to the Cambrian explosion.

What evidence supports the occurrence of 'Snowball Earth' events?

• Ancient riverbeds

• Fossilized dinosaur bones

• Glacial deposits near the equator

• Desert sand dunes

What is the significance of carbon isotopic variations in Neoproterozoic rocks?

• They indicate the presence of ancient forests.

• They show evidence of meteorite impacts.

• They indicate changes in biological productivity.

• They show evidence of volcanic eruptions.