Climate Change Causes Quiz

Ultraviolet rays are a form of harmful radiation that comes from the sun. These rays have a shorter wavelength than visible light and are invisible to the human eye. Exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause various health issues, including sunburn, skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It is important to protect oneself from these rays by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest.

The atmosphere is the correct answer because it is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth that is held in place by gravity. It is composed of different gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, and it plays a crucial role in regulating temperature, protecting against harmful radiation, and supporting life on Earth.

During La Nina, the sea surface temperature in the equatorial Eastern Central Pacific Ocean is lower than normal by 3-5 °C. This phenomenon is characterized by the cooling of the ocean surface and can have significant impacts on weather patterns around the world. La Nina is the opposite phase of El Nino, and it often leads to increased rainfall in the western Pacific and drier conditions in the eastern Pacific. It can also influence hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. Global warming, on the other hand, refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature and is not directly related to the specific temperature anomalies associated with La Nina.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, actually trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming. They act like a blanket, allowing sunlight to enter but preventing the heat from escaping back into space. Therefore, the statement that greenhouse gases allow the sun's harmful rays to leave the Earth and prevent global warming is incorrect.

The correct answer includes aluminum, cleaning products, plastic, and metals. These materials are considered non-biodegradable because they do not break down naturally in the environment. Aluminum is a metal that can take hundreds of years to decompose. Cleaning products often contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment and do not break down easily. Plastic is a synthetic material that can take thousands of years to degrade. Metals, like aluminum, do not decompose easily and can persist in the environment for a long time.

The biosphere refers to the zone on Earth where life exists. It includes all living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as their interactions with each other and with the environment. The biosphere encompasses various ecosystems, such as forests, oceans, and grasslands, where life can thrive. It is the layer of Earth that supports and sustains life, making it essential for the existence of living organisms.

El Nino refers to a band of anomalously warm ocean water temperatures that occasionally develops off the western coast of South America. This phenomenon can cause climatic changes across the Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by a weakening of the trade winds and a warming of the surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific. These changes in temperature can have far-reaching effects, including altering weather patterns, disrupting marine ecosystems, and impacting fisheries.

The gases listed in the answer choices are all examples of harmful gases that contribute to atmospheric pollution. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are synthetic compounds that were commonly used in aerosol sprays and refrigerants, but they have been found to deplete the ozone layer. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is released through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, contributing to climate change. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, and it can be harmful to both humans and the environment. Methane gas is another potent greenhouse gas that is released during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices.

The correct answer includes Paper, Food, and Plants. These materials are considered biodegradable because they can be broken down naturally by microorganisms and decompose over time. Plastic, Styro, and Glass, on the other hand, are not biodegradable as they do not break down easily and can persist in the environment for a long time.