Deck 2: What Is Global Warming

Question 1

The Holocene period is also sometimes referred to as:

A) the long summer
B) the short winter
C) the never ending spring
D) the incredibly dull fall

Answer 1

the long summer

Question 2

Based on Figure 2.2 in the text, 51% of incoming solar energy is absorbed by:

A) clouds
B) the atmosphere
C) land and oceans
D) birds

Answer 2

land and oceans

Question 3

Some of the most abundant greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere include:

A) nitrous oxide
B) methane
C) ozone
D) all of the above

Answer 3

all of the above

Question 4

The use of fertilizers can lead to higher:

A) methane concentrations
B) nitrous oxide concentrations
C) CO₂ concentrations
D) none of these

Question 5

Methane gas produces about___ times as much heat as does carbon dioxide.

A) 30
B) 60
C) 10
D) 50

Question 6

The world's largest frozen peat bog, which appears to be melting for the first time since it formed 11,000 years ago, is located in:

A) Antarctica
B) Canada
C) Siberia
D) Alaska

Question 7

We passed the milestone of 400 parts per million CO₂ in the air in May of:

A) 2014
B) 2013
C) 2012
D) 2010

Question 8

A civilization-level threat occurs at what level of ppm:

A) 650
B) 450
C) 800
D) 400

Question 9

The Charney sensitivity measure has been in use since the early:

A) 1940s
B) 1960s
C) 1980s
D) 1990s

Question 10

Eight of the 10 hottest years ever recorded occurred in which century:

A) 18^th
B) 19^th
C) 20^th
D) 21^st

Question 11

Which two years are tied as the two hottest years ever, worldwide?

A) 2005 and 2010
B) 2008 and 2009
C) 2001 and 2007
D) 2012 and 2013

Question 12

The hottest year on record for the United States is:

A) 2005
B) 2010
C) 2012
D) 2013

Question 13

Richard Alley observed that the Arctic was already melting how many years ahead of schedule?

A) 10
B) 100
C) 20
D) 50

Question 14

In 2012, which state enacted a law prohibiting the inclusion of scientific estimates of ocean rise related to global warming in coastal planning?

A) North Carolina
B) New York
C) California
D) Florida

Question 15

In the United States, what percentage of our greenhouse gas emissions are CO₂?

A) 25
B) 63
C) 100
D) 82

Question 16

The current composition of earth's atmosphere is 78% _________.

A) oxygen
B) methane
C) nitrogen
D) carbon dioxide

Question 17

During its "daytime," the temperature on the moon is about:

A) 100 degrees Celsius
B) 150 degrees Celsius
C) -50 degrees Celsius
D) 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Question 18

Some researchers claim that the United States will experience significant oil shortages by the year:

A) 2018
B) 2030
C) 2080
D) 2020

Question 19

Higher concentrations of methane in the atmosphere is the result of:

A) newer, vented septic systems
B) wetland changes
C) livestock manure management
D) all of the above

Question 20

Forest fires add _______ to the atmosphere.

A) methane
B) oxygen
C) carbon
D) nothing

Question 21

Identify and explain the anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases that were discussed in the chapter.

Question 22

Define the albedo effect and provide examples.

Question 23

Identify and describe the four examples of carbon cycle feedbacks.

Question 24

Explain why some scientists have an issue with the Charney sensitivity measure.

Question 25

List the critical tipping points and their associated consequences.