5b NGS Earth Sci -Sec 5: Climate Cycles & Recent Climate C Quiz

What evidence do scientists use to study past climates?

• Meteor impacts

• Solar flares

• Volcanic eruptions

• Ice cores and fossilized pollen

Answer explanation

Scientists study past climates using ice cores and fossilized pollen. Ice cores trap air bubbles from different eras, while pollen provides insights into past vegetation and climate conditions.

What are ice ages?

• Long cold periods with extensive glaciation

• Periods of intense solar radiation

• Times of increased volcanic activity

• Short warm periods

Answer explanation

Ice ages are defined as long cold periods characterized by extensive glaciation, where large ice sheets cover significant portions of the Earth. This distinguishes them from other geological periods.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What causes the seasons?

• Changes in ocean currents

• The moon's gravitational pull

• Earth's tilt on its axis and revolution around the sun

• Earth's distance from the sun

Answer explanation

The seasons are caused by Earth's tilt on its axis and its revolution around the sun. This tilt affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received, leading to seasonal changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How often does El Nino occur?

• Every century

• Every 3-8 years

• Every year

• Every 50 years

Answer explanation

El Niño events typically occur every 3 to 8 years, influenced by oceanic and atmospheric conditions. This periodicity distinguishes it from other phenomena, making 'Every 3-8 years' the correct answer.

What is a monsoon?

• A sudden drop in temperature

• A long period of drought

• A wind circulation pattern that changes with the seasons

• A type of hurricane

Answer explanation

A monsoon is primarily defined as a wind circulation pattern that changes with the seasons, bringing significant changes in precipitation. This distinguishes it from sudden temperature drops, droughts, or hurricanes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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What is global warming?

• A temporary weather pattern

• An increase in Earth's average temperature over the past 100 years

• A type of natural disaster

• A decrease in Earth's average temperature

Answer explanation

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature, primarily due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. This distinguishes it from temporary weather patterns or cooling trends.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

What are greenhouse gases?

• Gases that cool the Earth's surface

• Gases that absorb Earth's outgoing infrared radiation

• Gases that are only found in greenhouses

• Gases that are harmless to the environment

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb Earth's outgoing infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to the greenhouse effect. This is why the correct choice is 'Gases that absorb Earth's outgoing infrared radiation'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

What human activity increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

• Using solar panels

• Planting trees

• Burning fossil fuels

• Recycling

Answer explanation

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, significantly increasing its concentration. In contrast, using solar panels, planting trees, and recycling help reduce carbon emissions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

What are aerosols?

• A type of greenhouse gas

• A form of renewable energy

• Tiny liquid or solid particles from burning fossil fuels

• Large particles that block sunlight

Answer explanation

Aerosols are tiny liquid or solid particles that result from burning fossil fuels. They can affect air quality and climate, unlike greenhouse gases which are gases that trap heat.

Tags

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What is the effect of higher levels of greenhouse gases?

• A decrease in global temperatures

• A reduction in sea levels

• A more significant greenhouse effect

• An increase in volcanic activity

Answer explanation

Higher levels of greenhouse gases trap more heat in the atmosphere, leading to a more significant greenhouse effect. This results in global warming and climate change, making the correct choice 'A more significant greenhouse effect'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5