Climate Change Terminology Quiz

Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth's average surface temperature. This increase is caused by the greenhouse effect, which occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping into space. This trapped heat leads to a rise in temperature, causing various environmental and climate changes.

The correct definition of 'carbon cycle' is the movement of carbon, in its many forms, between the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, and geosphere. This encompasses the processes of carbon dioxide being absorbed by plants through photosynthesis, transferred to animals through the food chain, released back into the atmosphere through respiration and decomposition, and stored in the oceans and geosphere through various geological processes. It is a natural process that helps regulate the Earth's climate and maintain a balance of carbon in different reservoirs.

The correct answer is "The acquisition of knowledge through the collection and analysis of data." This definition accurately captures the essence of science, which involves systematically gathering information and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Science relies on empirical data and rigorous experimentation to understand the natural world and make discoveries.

The correct definition for 'fossil fuels' is a carbon-rich compound formed over geological time from organic materials, and burned by humans for energy. This definition accurately describes the origin and use of fossil fuels, which are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. These fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are burned to produce energy, but their combustion also releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

Ocean acidification occurs when excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid. This lowers the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic. This increased acidity has detrimental effects on marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, like corals. The acidic environment makes it difficult for corals to build and maintain their structures, leading to coral bleaching and weakening of their overall health. This disrupts the entire coral reef ecosystem, which supports a vast array of marine life.

The correct definition of 'climate' is the average weather conditions for a specific location on the Earth's surface. Climate refers to the long-term patterns and trends of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and other atmospheric conditions in a particular area. It takes into account the variations and averages of weather over a period of time, usually spanning several decades. This definition encompasses the overall atmospheric conditions that characterize a region and helps to distinguish it from weather, which refers to short-term and day-to-day changes in the atmosphere.

The correct definition of 'tipping point' is a factor that affects a natural system, such as temperature in a forest, and when that factor reaches a certain level, it causes a rapid and irreversible change in the state of the system, such as a forest fire and conversion to savannah. This definition emphasizes the critical point at which a system undergoes a significant and often irreversible transformation due to a specific factor reaching a certain threshold.

The correct definition of 'greenhouse gases' is gases that trap solar heat energy in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, have the ability to absorb and emit infrared radiation, which leads to the warming of the Earth's surface. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect and is essential for maintaining a stable temperature on Earth.

The correct definition of 'climate change' is the alteration of average weather conditions over time. This includes changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of weather on a global scale. It is a long-term shift in the Earth's climate system that is primarily caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Climate change is not limited to heatwaves caused by global warming, but encompasses a wide range of changes in weather patterns and their impacts on ecosystems and human societies.