Social Science Section 1 Part 1

What happens when there are too many greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

• The Earth becomes cooler

• The Earth becomes too hot

• The Earth becomes more reflective

• The Earth becomes more humid

Answer explanation

When there are too many greenhouse gases, they trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. This phenomenon causes the Earth to become too hot, contributing to climate change.

What is the significance of the Milankovitch cycles?

• They determine the Earth's magnetic field

• They influence Earth's climate over long periods

• They control ocean currents

• They affect the Earth's rotation speed

Answer explanation

The Milankovitch cycles are significant because they influence Earth's climate over long periods by altering the distribution and intensity of sunlight received, which affects glacial and interglacial periods.

What has caused climatic warming in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Decrease in greenhouse gases.

• Increase in solar radiation.

• Forcings that have resulted in melting ice.

• Reduction in volcanic activity.

Answer explanation

Climatic warming in the Northern Hemisphere is primarily driven by forcings that have resulted in melting ice, which reduces the Earth's albedo and leads to further warming. This is more impactful than the other options.

What is the role of the atmosphere in the greenhouse effect?

• It reflects all solar radiation.

• It absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation.

• It blocks all radiation from reaching Earth.

• It cools the Earth's surface.

Answer explanation

The atmosphere plays a crucial role in the greenhouse effect by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation, which helps to trap heat and maintain Earth's temperature. This is why the correct answer is that it absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation.

What is the impact of positive feedbacks on climate change?

• They slow down climate change.

• They push climate change further in the same direction.

• They have no impact on climate change.

• They reverse climate change.

Answer explanation

Positive feedbacks amplify changes in the climate system, leading to further warming or other effects. This means they push climate change further in the same direction, rather than slowing it down or reversing it.

What is the relationship between original forcing and feedback in climate change?

• They are always opposite.

• They can either amplify or moderate the change.

• They have no relationship.

• They always cancel each other out.

Answer explanation

Original forcing refers to the initial change in climate, while feedbacks are responses that can either enhance (amplify) or reduce (moderate) that change. Thus, they can interact in complex ways, making the correct choice: they can either amplify or moderate the change.

What term is used to describe the physical collection of documents used by historians?

• Library

• Database

• Archive

• Repository

Answer explanation

The term 'Archive' refers to a physical collection of documents that historians use to preserve and study historical records. Unlike a library or database, an archive specifically focuses on storing primary source materials.

What is an example of a proxy used to study past climates?

• Fossil fuels

• Ice cores

• Solar panels

• Ocean currents

Answer explanation

Ice cores are used to study past climates as they contain trapped air bubbles and layers of ice that reflect historical atmospheric conditions, making them valuable proxies for understanding climate changes over time.

What happens to the surface of the Earth when clouds reflect solar energy?

• It warms up

• It cools down

• It remains unchanged

• It becomes more humid

Answer explanation

When clouds reflect solar energy, less sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, leading to a decrease in temperature. Therefore, the surface cools down.

What is ice core sampling used for?

• Measuring tree growth

• Analyzing ocean currents

• Drilling long cylinders of ice out of deep glaciers

• Studying animal migration

Answer explanation

Ice core sampling involves drilling long cylinders of ice from deep glaciers. This method allows scientists to study past climate conditions and atmospheric composition trapped in the ice layers.