Oceans and Climate Change

Why do scientists use proxy data to reconstruct past climates?

• Proxy data fit into computer models better.

• The further back in time we go, actual measurements become less complete and more unreliable.

• Proxy data are in close proximity to the laboratories of climate scientists.

• Proxy data have already been published in established scientific journals.

In 2007, the IPCC published its fourth assessment report, which _______________.

• reversed all of the findings of the first three IPCC reports

• blamed marine organisms for the recent climate change problems

• confirmed what many scientists had long suspected: Human-caused climate change is already altering Earth

• suggested that natural climate change factors were the main reason that climate had recently changed

• indicated that all proxy data are incorrect and need to be reevaluated

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All of the following are observed changes that the oceans are experiencing as a result of global climate change EXCEPT _______________.

• changes in deep-water circulation

• melting of polar ice

• rising sea level

• reversal of Earth's magnetic field

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Which type of marine animal has experienced a habitat decrease because of the dramatic decline in the extent of Arctic sea ice?

• sea lion

• sea otter

• blue whale

• polar bear

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Which of the following is a direct result of global warming on sea levels?

• Decrease in sea levels due to increased evaporation

• Increase in sea levels due to melting polar ice caps and glaciers

• Decrease in sea levels due to the absorption of more carbon dioxide

• Increase in sea levels due to decreased salinity

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What is the primary cause of the increase in global sea levels?

• Decreased evaporation rates

• Increased precipitation

• Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers

• Increased river runoff

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What is an impact of increased CO₂ dissolving in the world's oceans?

• Increased temperature and increased shell-forming by mollusks.

• Increased eutrophication and decreased photosynthesis.

• Decreased pH and less reef building by coral.

• Increased pH and decreased turbidity

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What is affecting ocean currents and could lead to changes in weather patterns and rising sea levels?

• Industrialization

• Volcanic eruptions

• Deforestation

• Melting glaciers and ice, as well as warming waters due to increased greenhouse gases

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How does climate change primarily affect ocean temperatures?

• By decreasing the amount of sunlight absorbed by the ocean

• By increasing the reflection of sunlight from the ocean surface

• By causing an increase in greenhouse gases that trap heat

• By reducing the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean

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How does the destruction of marine habitats contribute to climate change?

• By increasing the amount of sunlight reflected back into space

• By decreasing the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide

• By increasing the ocean's salinity

• By reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

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