Deck 12: Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion

Question 1

All of the following are greenhouse gases except

A) carbon dioxide.
B) water vapor.
C) methane.
D) radon.
E) nitrous oxide.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

All of the following statements about the stratosphere are true except

A) The stratosphere extends from about 17-48 km above the earth's surface.
B) The stratosphere has about one thousandth of the water concentration in the troposphere.
C) Temperature in the stratosphere decreases with altitude.
D) The stratosphere has a higher concentration of ozone that the troposphere.
E) The ozone layer is concentrated in the stratosphere.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Industrial smog

A) consists of a mixture of sulfur dioxide, sulfuric acid and suspended solid particles.
B) is often called gray-air smog.
C) is rarely a problem in more developed countries with good air pollution control.
D) all of these answers.
E) none of these answers.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Photochemical smog is formed when primary pollutants interact with

A) sunlight.
B) water vapor.
C) sulfur dioxide.
D) oxygen.
E) carbon.

Question 5

Which of the following factors would not increase air pollution?

A) VOC emissions from plants and trees
B) Hills and mountains
C) Precipitation
D) Temperature inversions
E) Higher temperatures

Question 6

Climate is not influenced by

A) the amount of incoming solar radiation.
B) Earth's rotation on its axis.
C) ocean currents.
D) properties of air, water, and land.
E) species extinctions.

Question 7

Features of weather include all of the following except

A) cloud cover
B) wind speed
C) precipitation
D) humidity
E) latitude

Question 8

Outdoor air pollutants

A) can travel via prevailing winds.
B) are a low risk human health problem.
C) mostly occur in rural areas.
D) are increasing in developed countries.
E) are not regulated in the USA.

Question 9

The two most important factors in climate are

A) temperature and insulation.
B) precipitation and pressure.
C) humidity and wind.
D) temperature and precipitation.
E) relative humidity and clouds.

Question 10

All of the following contribute to photochemical smog except

A) soot.
B) nitrous oxide.
C) sunlight.
D) vehicle emissions.
E) VOCs.

Question 11

The atmospheric layer containing most of the mass of Earth's air is the

A) thermosphere.
B) mesosphere.
C) stratosphere.
D) troposphere.
E) tropopause.

Question 12

You would least expect to see industrial smog (gray-air smog)in

A) China.
B) Ukraine.
C) Poland.
D) Miami.
E) Mexico city.

Question 13

Stratospheric ozone helps to prevent

A) sunburns.
B) skin cancer.
C) eye cancer and eye cataracts.
D) immune system damage.
E) all of these answers

Question 14

Photochemical smog is most easily reduced by a drop in emissions of ____.

A) carbon monoxide
B) nitrous oxides
C) ozone emissions
D) water
E) PANs

Question 15

The layer of the atmosphere that plays a major role in earth's weather and long-term climate is the

A) thermosphere.
B) mesosphere.
C) stratosphere.
D) troposphere.
E) tropopause.

Question 16

Greenhouse gases

A) warm the Earth's lower atmosphere.
B) are poisonous if contacted.
C) block all ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth's surface.
D) cause Earth's rotation on its axis.
E) create rain.

Question 17

Outdoor air pollution can be reduced by all of the following natural factors except

A) rain and snow.
B) pollution particles that are heavier than air.
C) salty sea spray.
D) increasing solar radiation.
E) winds.

Question 18

Which of the following is not a major source of outdoor air pollution?

A) Vehicle emissions
B) Coal burning factories
C) Volcanic eruptions
D) Wildfires
E) Pet dander

Question 19

In the troposphere,99% of the clean,dry air consists of

A) hydrogen and oxygen.
B) nitrogen and oxygen.
C) hydrogen and methane.
D) carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
E) helium and hydrogen.

Question 20

Photochemical smog is characteristic of urban areas with many vehicles and a climate that is

A) cool, wet, and cloudy.
B) cool, dry, and sunny.
C) warm, dry, and sunny.
D) warm, wet, and cloudy.
E) warm, wet, and sunny.

Question 21

Which of the following is not a major indoor air pollutant?

A) Asbestos
B) Radon-222
C) Sulfur dioxide
D) Cigarette smoke
E) Formaldehyde

Question 22

Acid deposition can be prevented by all of the following except

A) reducing coal burning.
B) growing more crops.
C) increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
D) taxing sulfur emissions.
E) improving energy efficiency.

Question 23

Radon-222 is

A) a colorless gas.
B) a product of uranium decay.
C) basically a problem in confined spaces, such as basements and underground wells, over radon-containing deposits.
D) an odorless and tasteless gas.
E) all of these answers

Question 24

The frequency and severity of smog in an area depends least upon the

A) local climate and topography.
B) fuels used in industry, heating, and transportation.
C) size of the ozone hole over the Arctic.
D) density of the population.
E) number of open fires.

Question 25

Which of the following statements is true?

A) Thermal inversion occurs when a layer of cold air prevents warm air from rising.
B) Thermal inversions exacerbate pollution problems.
C) Thermal inversions are temporary.
D) Normally, cool air near Earth's surface expands and rises, carrying pollutants higher into the troposphere.
E) Thermal inversions help prevent air pollution.

Question 26

Which of the following is not a preventative approach to lead poisoning?

A) Phase out waste incinerators
B) Wash produce before consuming
C) Ban lead solder
D) Phase out leaded gasoline
E) Ban lead in computer monitors and fishing sinkers

Question 27

Tall chimneys

A) are a "dilution is the solution to pollution" approach.
B) carry the pollutants above any local inversion layer.
C) are an output approach to pollution.
D) increase pollution in upwind areas.
E) all of these answers

Question 28

Overexposure to indoor pollution can cause all of the following except

A) stroke or heart attack.
B) arthritis or calcium deficiency.
C) lung cancer.
D) emphysema.
E) bronchitis.

Question 29

Acid deposition can affect living organisms by

A) killing fish, aquatic plants, and microorganisms in lakes and streams.
B) contributing to respiratory problems.
C) making trees more susceptible to diseases.
D) weakening forests.
E) all of these answers.

Question 30

Furniture stuffing,paneling,particle board,and carpeting may be sources of

A) chloroform.
B) formaldehyde.
C) carbon monoxide.
D) asbestos.
E) sulfur dioxide.

Question 31

Acid deposition is properly defined as the ____ deposition of ____ pollutants onto Earth's surface.

A) wet; primary
B) wet; secondary
C) wet and dry; primary
D) wet and dry; secondary
E) dry; primary

Question 32

Acid deposition is best classified as a

A) local problem.
B) state problem.
C) regional problem.
D) national problem.
E) international problem.

Question 33

You have been looking for your first house for months.You find one in just the right neighborhood at just the right price for you.In the course of negotiations,you have a radon test done and find that the level is high.A reasonable course of action would be to

A) get out of the housing market.
B) back out of the deal quickly and look for another house.
C) make a purchase offer, but recognize you will need to make some changes over the course of a few years.
D) make a purchase, move in, and live happily ever after.
E) call the police and report the homeowner.

Question 34

Acid deposition

A) increases the mobility of toxic metals.
B) kills many species of fish.
C) damages statues and buildings.
D) decreases atmospheric visibility.
E) all of these answers

Question 35

____ acid deposition usually occurs near to emission point sources,whereas ____ acid deposition usually takes place in more distant down wind areas.

A) dry; wet
B) wet; dry
C) wet; wet
D) dry; dry
E) none of these answers.

Question 36

Respiratory illnesses in developing countries are most likely to be caused by

A) formaldehyde.
B) cigarette smoke.
C) particulate matter.
D) asbestos.
E) ozone.

Question 37

A thermal inversion is the result of

A) precipitation.
B) cold air drainage.
C) a warm lid on top of stagnant air.
D) a cold blanket of air that prevents warm air from rising.
E) mixing of cool and warm air.

Question 38

Sources of indoor air pollution include all of the following except

A) chemical toxins.
B) vehicle emissions.
C) infiltrated outdoor air pollution.
D) soot from cooking fires.
E) tobacco smoke.

Question 39

All of the following describe soils that are vulnerable to acid deposition except

A) thin.
B) low in buffering ions.
C) high in hydroxyl (OH-) ions.
D) acidic.
E) already depleted by decades of acid deposition.

Question 40

Pipe insulation,fireproofing and soundproofing materials,and vinyl floors and ceilings may be sources of

A) chloroform.
B) formaldehyde.
C) carbon monoxide.
D) asbestos.
E) CFCs.

Question 41

The major greenhouse gases leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect include all of the following except

A) chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
B) carbon dioxide.
C) sulfur dioxide.
D) methane.
E) nitrous oxide.

Question 42

Factors that contribute to climate change include all but which one?

A) Changing ocean temperatures
B) Rates of migration of indicator species
C) Outdoor air pollution levels
D) Plant photosynthesis
E) Changes in global cloud cover

Question 43

The part of the world that has been warming fastest in the last 50 years is ____.

A) the mid-latitudes
B) the Arctic region
C) North America
D) the Tibetan Plateau
E) the oceans throughout the world

Question 44

Some uncertainty in climate models arise based on how

A) CO₂ will affect the rate of photosynthesis.
B) changes in polar ice will occur.
C) ocean absorption of carbon dioxide will affect climate change.
D) air pollution might affect climate.
E) all of these answers

Question 45

The International Governmental Panel on Climate Change concludes all but which one of the following?

A) The oceans are cooling as glaciers melt.
B) Global surface temperatures have risen 1.3 degrees F in the last decade.
C) Arctic temperatures have risen twice as fast as in the rest of the world in the last 50 years.
D) Average sea levels have risen 4-8 inches.
E) Rainfall, draught, and storm patterns are changing.

Question 46

Which answer best states the current scientific position about global warming?

A) There is no problem-it's a hoax.
B) There is no need to worry. The projected change in temperature is no more than we experience on any given day.
C) The problem is the potential rise in average global temperature.
D) The problem is the quick rate of change in average global temperature.
E) The problem is the slow rate of change in average global temperature.

Question 47

Indoor air pollution could be sharply reduced by

A) modifying building codes to prevent radon infiltration.
B) requiring exhaust hoods or vent pipes for stoves, refrigerators, or other appliances burning natural gas or other fossil fuels.
C) finding substitutes for potentially harmful chemicals.
D) using office machines in well-ventilated areas.
E) all of these answers

Question 48

Correspondence between climate models and the real world depends upon

A) the design and assumptions of the model.
B) the accuracy of the data used in the model.
C) factors that amplify or dampen changes in average global temperatures.
D) a and c only
E) all of these answers

Question 49

Current global climate models suggest that climate change

A) will never happen.
B) will be toward the warmer side over the next century.
C) will be toward the colder side over the next century.
D) will reach stabilization after 200 years.
E) will be toward the colder side over the next 50 years.

Question 50

Which is the least effective method of improving U.S.air pollution laws?

A) Refocusing on pollution prevention
B) Increasing vehicle fuel efficiency
C) Better ventilating homes and buildings
D) Increasing regulations on motorcycles and 2-cycle engines
E) Better regulation of airports and cruise ships

Question 51

In 2001,the International Governmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that

A) global climate change is a hoax.
B) Earth is likely to experience an ice age in the next century.
C) the slight rise in temperature observed over the last century was caused by changes in solar cycles.
D) the slight rise in temperature observed over the last century was probably influenced by human causes.
E) none of these answers

Question 52

One way to help protect the atmosphere would be to

A) quickly burn all remaining fossil fuels to encourage faster change to alternative fuels.
B) compartmentalize air pollution, water pollution, and energy policies so that each department has its own focus.
C) emphasize local control and responsibility for air pollution.
D) control population growth.
E) decrease use of renewable energy.

Question 53

Increased greenhouse gases originate from

A) burning fossil fuels.
B) deforestation.
C) use of CFCs.
D) agriculture.
E) all of these answers

Question 54

Over geologic time the earth's climate has been changed by

A) the sun's energy output.
B) large meteoric impacts.
C) earth's orbit around the sun.
D) all of these answers.
E) none of these answers.

Question 55

The oceans'

A) surface water is weakly acidic.
B) ability to absorb carbon dioxide decreases as the water temperature increases.
C) ability to absorb carbon dioxide increase as the water temperature increases.
D) a and b
E) a and c

Question 56

Presently unavoidable global warming consequences now include all but which one of the following?

A) Sea level rise
B) Arctic species extinctions
C) Coral reef bleaching
D) Crop production increases in equatorial zones
E) Prolonged droughts

Question 57

Methods to prevent pollution from motor vehicle emissions include all of the following except

A) improving fuel efficiency and modifying the internal combustion engine to reduce emissions.
B) raising annual registration fees on older, more polluting cars.
C) increase the legal driving age.
D) giving subsidies to car makers for each low-polluting, energy-efficient car they sell.
E) restricting driving in polluted areas.

Question 58

Lead poisoning is especially harmful to young children and may cause

A) blindness.
B) paralysis.
C) nervous system impairment.
D) hyperactivity.
E) all of the above conditions.

Question 59

All of the following gases have increased in recent decades except

A) carbon dioxide.
B) methane.
C) water vapor.
D) nitrous oxide.
E) low level ozone.

Question 60

Which of the following strategies would help protect the atmosphere?

A) Use a city-by-city rather than regional approach to air quality control.
B) Shift from renewable to more efficient nonrenewable energy resources.
C) Integrate air pollution, water pollution, energy, land-use, and population regulation policies.
D) Exclude social costs of air pollution from pricing strategies.
E) Decrease use of renewable energy.

Question 61

The quickest and cheapest way to reduce the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is to

A) switch from fossil fuels to nuclear fuels.
B) increase the efficiency of energy use.
C) put a price on carbon dioxide emissions.
D) stop deforestation.
E) slow population growth.

Question 62

Prevention approaches to global warming include all of the following except

A) increasing beef production on viable land.
B) halting deforestation.
C) switching to sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
D) slowing population growth.
E) improving energy efficiency.

Question 63

Of the following adjustments to tolerate global warming,the least effective would be

A) breeding food plants that need less water and are more tolerant of salt.
B) expanding protected areas and connecting them by corridors.
C) moving storage tanks of hazardous materials away from coastal areas.
D) establishing large food supplies on barrier beaches.
E) switching to locally based sustainable technologies.

Question 64

An increase in ultraviolet radiation is likely to cause all of the following except

A) a decrease in aquatic life.
B) increased yields of food crops.
C) decreased phytoplankton productivity.
D) increased acid rain.
E) increased eye cataract and skin cancer incidence in some species.

Question 65

In a worst case scenario,potentially unavoidable global warming consequences may include all but which one of the following?

A) International water wars
B) Global crop yield crashes
C) Massive premature extinctions
D) Higher latitude areas warm resulting in fewer human death tolls and more overpopulation
E) Ecosystems collapse

Question 66

In a warmer world,which is not an incidence caused by droughts?

A) Dryer soils result in slowed tree growth
B) Increase in grassland and forest fires
C) Lakes and some seas shrink or disappear
D) Fresh water shortages
E) Increased biodiversity due to species adaptations

Question 67

Prevention approaches to global warming that revolve around energy policy include all of the following except

A) cutting use of fossil fuels.
B) dispersing methane from landfills to prevent explosions.
C) transferring energy-efficiency and pollution-prevention technologies to developing countries.
D) reducing poverty and slowing population growth.
E) improving energy efficiency.

Question 68

Melting the Arctic permafrost is not likely to ____.

A) release methane trapped in the permafrost
B) result in habitat loss for many species
C) spread tropical disease to Arctic areas
D) alter lifestyles for Native Alaskans
E) allow for saltwater inundation of coastal areas

Question 69

All of the following are ecological tipping points identified by scientists except

A) Sharp increase in the ability of the ocean to absorb carbon dioxide.
B) Collapse and melting of Greenland ice sheets.
C) Collapse of the Amazon rainforest.
D) Major releases of methane from permafrost.
E) Collapse of phytoplankton populations.

Question 70

Things that individuals can do to alleviate the potential threats of global warming include all of the following except

A) improving energy efficiency in the home.
B) using low-sulfur coal.
C) planting trees.
D) reducing and reusing.
E) recycling.

Question 71

Which of the following statements is false?

A) The formation of the ozone layer enabled life on land to evolve.
B) CFCs are odorless and stable.
C) CFCs are nonflammable, nontoxic, and noncorrosive.
D) Fluorine atoms are most responsible for the breakdown of ozone to molecular oxygen.
E) CFCs are cheap to produce.

Question 72

In the short term,some humans may benefit from which of the following climate change effects?

A) Melting glacial ice
B) Rising sea levels
C) Permafrost melt
D) Biodiversity loss
E) Agricultural shifts

Question 73

Skin cancers can be prevented by all of the following strategies except

A) minimizing sun exposure.
B) applying sunscreen with a good protection factor.
C) wearing ordinary sunglasses.
D) wearing tightly-woven protective clothing.
E) avoiding tanning lamps and salons.

Question 74

Which of the following statements about the potential effects of global warming on human health is false?

A) Food and freshwater supplies are likely to be disrupted.
B) People are likely to be displaced.
C) Insect-borne diseases are likely to decrease in today's temperate zones.
D) Sanitation systems in coastal cities may be flooded.
E) Respiratory disease are likely to increase.

Question 75

An example of an ozone depleting chemical is

A) CFCs
B) methyl bromide
C) HBFCs
D) hydrogen chloride
E) all of these

Question 76

CFCs are used for all of the following except

A) coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners.
B) propellants in aerosol spray cans.
C) fuels in camp stoves.
D) cleaners for electronic parts.
E) gases used in insulation and foam packaging

Question 77

If global warming trends continue,sea levels are most likely to

A) rise because of the melting of polar sea ice.
B) rise due to increased removal of groundwater.
C) drop because of increased use of water for irrigation.
D) drop because of increased evaporation.
E) rise because of increased evaporation.

Question 78

Human health problems closely associated with ozone depletion include all of the following except

A) skin cancer.
B) eye cataracts.
C) increased incidence of heart disease.
D) suppression of the immune response.
E) sunburns.

Question 79

Government strategies to reduce the threat of climate change include all of the following except

A) introduce an energy tax on each unit of fossil fuel burned.
B) place caps and issue permits on greenhouse gas emissions in a particular region.
C) increase subsides for energy efficiency and greener technologies.
D) increase taxes on income and profits.
E) facility green technology transfers to less developed countries.

Question 80

Which is false?

A) CFCs are persistent chemicals.
B) Ozone depletion is worst in Antarctica.
C) There are substitutes to CFCs.
D) Ozone thinning is a permanent problem.
E) CFCs contribute to global warming.