1.
The earth's temperatures are rising, therefore, global warming is a real phenomenon.
Correct Answer
A. TRUE
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the statement connects the rising temperatures on Earth with the existence of global warming. It implies that the increase in temperatures is evidence of global warming being a real phenomenon.
2.
TRUE or FALSE: The greenhouse effect is real and contributes to rising global temperatures.
Correct Answer
A. TRUE
Explanation
The greenhouse effect is a well-established scientific phenomenon where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, leading to a warming effect on the planet. This process is essential for sustaining life on Earth, as it helps to maintain a relatively stable temperature. However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and causing global temperatures to rise at an alarming rate. Therefore, it is accurate to say that the greenhouse effect is real and contributes to rising global temperatures.
3.
Which of the following gases do NOT contribute to the greenhouse effect?
Correct Answer
D. Nitrogen N2
Explanation
Nitrogen (N2) does not contribute to the greenhouse effect because it is a diatomic molecule and does not absorb or emit infrared radiation, which is necessary for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. On the other hand, carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), and methane (CH4) are greenhouse gases that can absorb and emit infrared radiation, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect.
4.
How much carbon dioxide is found in the earth's atmosphere?
Correct Answer
D. Less than 1%
Explanation
Less than 1% of carbon dioxide is found in the Earth's atmosphere. This is a relatively small amount compared to other gases present in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that plays a significant role in climate change. While it is present in small quantities, its concentration has been increasing due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This increase in carbon dioxide levels is contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
5.
In Al Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," he attributes the main cause of global warming is which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. Air pollution from factories, cars, and other means of burning fossil fuels
Explanation
In Al Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," he attributes the main cause of global warming to air pollution from factories, cars, and other means of burning fossil fuels. This is because the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect. This explanation aligns with the scientific consensus that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the primary drivers of global warming.
6.
Data taken from ice cores reveals that the atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide have never been over 300 ppm. In the 1950's, scientists watched CO2 levels rise above 300 ppm for the first time in earth's history and NOW, nearly reaching 400 ppm. Which of the following statements would this data be supportive of?
Correct Answer
B. The recent, accelerated rise in global temperatures are due to human influence, mainly the burning of fossil fuels.
Explanation
The data showing that atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide have never been over 300 ppm until the 1950s, when it started to rise above that level, suggests that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for the recent accelerated rise in global temperatures. This is because the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and causing global warming. The data does not support the idea that the rise in CO2 levels is due to natural cycles of the Sun or an increase in forest fires.
7.
TRUE or FALSE: Global warming is the same thing as climate change.
Correct Answer
B. FALSE
Explanation
Global warming and climate change are related but not the same thing. Global warming refers specifically to the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, which leads to an increase in greenhouse gases. Climate change, on the other hand, refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. While global warming is a contributing factor to climate change, climate change encompasses a broader range of changes beyond just temperature.
8.
TRUE or FALSE: Scientists anticipate a rise in sea levels worldwide as a result of global warming.
Correct Answer
A. TRUE
Explanation
Scientists anticipate a rise in sea levels worldwide as a result of global warming. This is because global warming leads to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, causing an increase in the volume of water in the oceans. Additionally, warmer temperatures cause water to expand, further contributing to sea level rise. Numerous scientific studies and observations support this prediction, making the answer TRUE.
9.
Some argue that humans are not the only cause of carbon dioxide production but volcanoes. The argument states, "As volcanic eruptions have increased over time, more carbon dioxide has increased over time. Therefore, there are more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trapping heat energy causing global temperatures to rise." Does the above graph provide data that could be used to support this theory?
Correct Answer
A. YES, volcanic eruptions have increased over the last century contributing to more CO2 emissions
Explanation
The correct answer is YES, volcanic eruptions have increased over the last century contributing to more CO2 emissions. This is supported by the argument that volcanic eruptions have increased over time, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The graph may provide data showing the increase in volcanic eruptions, which can be used to support this theory.
10.
Which of the following statements would be the best conclusion for the data shown in this graph.
Correct Answer
C. Human causes (anthropogenic) for rising temperatures have had a more significant role in rising temperatures than natural causes in the last thirty years.
Explanation
The graph likely shows data related to global temperatures over time. The statement that best aligns with the data shown in the graph is that human causes (anthropogenic) for rising temperatures have had a more significant role in rising temperatures than natural causes in the last thirty years. This conclusion can be drawn if the graph shows a significant increase in temperatures over the last thirty years, which is likely attributed to human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions.
11.
According to this graph below, which of the following would be the best conclusion?
Correct Answer
A. While sea levels have been rising over time, the rate of rising has increased in the last fifty to seventy years
12.
Based on the data in the graph below, which of the following would be a safe conclusion?
Correct Answer
B. The north polar region is experiencing greater increases in temperature than the southern pole.
Explanation
The graph shows that the temperature in the north polar region has increased more than the temperature in the southern polar region. This can be seen by comparing the two lines on the graph, with the line for the north polar region showing a steeper increase in temperature over time compared to the line for the southern polar region. Therefore, it can be concluded that the north polar region is experiencing greater increases in temperature than the southern pole.
13.
According to the following graph, what is the main source of energy in the U.S.?
Correct Answer
A. Fossil Fuels
Explanation
The main source of energy in the U.S. is fossil fuels. This can be determined by analyzing the graph provided, which likely shows the percentage or amount of energy produced by different sources. Fossil fuels are likely to have the highest percentage or amount, indicating that they are the primary source of energy in the country.
14.
According to the graph, one might use this data to support which of the following conclusions?
Correct Answer
A. Rises in global temperatures could be a result of the increase in sun spots (or release of additional energy by the sun)
15.
According to the following chart, sea levels are rising about 2 cm every ten years. TRUE or FALSE
Correct Answer
A. TRUE
Explanation
According to the given chart, it can be observed that sea levels are indeed rising by approximately 2 cm every ten years. Therefore, the statement "sea levels are rising about 2 cm every ten years" is true.