Natural Events/Human Events Influence Earth's Climate

What do volcanic eruptions release into the atmosphere that can cause short-term global cooling?

• Water vapor

• Aerosols and sulfur dioxide

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

Answer explanation

Volcanic eruptions release aerosols and sulfur dioxide, which can reflect sunlight and lead to short-term global cooling. This effect is temporary but significant in altering climate patterns.

Which greenhouse gas is released by some volcanic eruptions and can cause long-term warming?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

• Helium

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas released during volcanic eruptions. It can remain in the atmosphere for a long time, contributing to long-term warming, unlike oxygen, nitrogen, or helium, which do not have this effect.

What scientific evidence is used to study past volcanic eruptions and their impact on climate?

• Tree rings

• Ice cores containing sulfate layers

• Ocean currents

• Fossil fuels

Answer explanation

Ice cores containing sulfate layers provide direct evidence of past volcanic eruptions, as sulfate deposits in ice layers correlate with volcanic activity, allowing scientists to study the eruptions' climatic impacts.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

What is an “impact winter”?

• A period of heavy rainfall

• A dramatic drop in temperatures caused by a meteor strike

• A time of increased sunlight

• A season of volcanic eruptions

Answer explanation

An 'impact winter' refers to a significant drop in temperatures caused by debris and dust from a meteor strike blocking sunlight, leading to a colder climate. This is why the correct answer is a dramatic drop in temperatures caused by a meteor strike.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which event is linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago?

• Volcanic eruption in Hawaii

• Meteor impact near the Yucatán Peninsula

• Ocean current shift in the Atlantic

• Greenhouse gas release from wetlands

Answer explanation

The extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago is linked to a meteor impact near the Yucatán Peninsula, which caused drastic environmental changes, unlike the other options listed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What material found in rock layers is evidence of a large meteor impact?

• Sulfate

• Iridium

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

Answer explanation

Iridium is a rare element found in higher concentrations in rock layers from meteor impacts, making it a key indicator of such events. Its presence supports the theory of a large meteor impact, unlike the other materials listed.

How can abrupt changes in ocean currents affect climate?

• By increasing volcanic eruptions

• By redistributing heat and moisture

• By causing more meteor impacts

• By absorbing more sunlight

Answer explanation

Abrupt changes in ocean currents can significantly alter climate by redistributing heat and moisture around the planet, affecting weather patterns and temperatures. This is crucial for maintaining climate stability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is El Niño known for?

• Cooler Pacific waters

• Warmer Pacific waters bringing heavy rains to the Americas

• Increased volcanic activity

• Meteor impacts

Answer explanation

El Niño is characterized by warmer Pacific waters, which lead to significant weather changes, including heavy rains in the Americas. This distinguishes it from other phenomena like cooler waters or volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens during La Niña?

• Warmer Pacific waters

• Cooler Pacific waters

• Increased greenhouse gas absorption

• More meteor impacts

Answer explanation

During La Niña, the Pacific Ocean experiences cooler waters due to stronger trade winds, which push warm water westward. This cooling affects global weather patterns, making 'Cooler Pacific waters' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What scientific evidence is used to study changes in ocean currents?

• Coral growth bands

• Fossil fuels

• Tree rings

• Volcanic ash

Answer explanation

Coral growth bands provide valuable information about past ocean conditions, including temperature and current changes, making them a key scientific evidence for studying shifts in ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6