CAST-Chemistry-ESS3-5

Which of the following is a key piece of evidence supporting the current rate of global climate change?

• A decrease in the average global temperature over the past century.

• A consistent increase in global average temperatures over the past century.

• A stable and unchanging global temperature over the past century.

• A significant decrease in the amount of ice in the Arctic over the past century.

Answer explanation

Answer: b) A consistent increase in global average temperatures over the past century.

Explanation:

• This is a core observation supporting the current trend of global warming.

How do global climate models help scientists understand future climate change impacts?

• They provide accurate predictions of future weather events.

• They simulate the complex interactions between Earth's systems to project potential future climate conditions.

• They solely rely on past climate data to predict future trends.

• They are not useful for predicting future climate change impacts.

Answer explanation

Answer: b) They simulate the complex interactions between Earth's systems to project potential future climate conditions.

Explanation:

• Climate models incorporate various factors like greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean currents, and solar radiation to simulate how the Earth's climate system might change in the future.

Which of the following is a potential impact of rising global temperatures on Earth's systems?

• A decrease in sea level.

• An increase in glacial ice volume.

• More frequent and intense heat waves.

• A decrease in the frequency of extreme weather events.

Answer explanation

Answer: c) More frequent and intense heatwaves.

Explanation:

• Rising global temperatures are associated with more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as other extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rainfall.

How does the melting of glaciers and ice sheets contribute to sea-level rise?

• By increasing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

• By adding large amounts of freshwater to the oceans.

• By decreasing the amount of water absorbed by the land.

• By increasing the rate of evaporation from the oceans.

Answer explanation

Answer: b) By adding large amounts of freshwater to the oceans.

Explanation:

• As glaciers and ice sheets melt, the added water flows into the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.

Which of the following is NOT a key factor considered by climate models?

• Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

• Changes in solar radiation.

• Volcanic eruptions.

• The number of trees planted globally.

Answer explanation

Answer: d) The number of trees planted globally.

Explanation:

• While tree planting is important for carbon sequestration, climate models primarily focus on larger-scale factors like greenhouse gas concentrations, solar radiation, and ocean currents.