Science Lympiad study

What is the primary difference between weather and climate?

Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate describes long-term patterns.

What role does carbon dioxide play in climate change?

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen.

What does the stratosphere contain that protects life on Earth?

The ozone layer.

What is the primary anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide emissions?

Burning fossil fuels.

Where do black carbon aerosols primarily originate?

From industrial emissions and biomass burning.

How does the ozone layer protect life on Earth?

By absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation.

What causes the ozone hole?

The release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

What does Earth's albedo refer to?

The reflection of solar radiation.

What impact do low clouds generally have on the Earth?

They cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight.

What mechanism amplifies global warming through feedback?

Ice-albedo feedback.

What are the three cells in the atmospheric circulation model?

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells.

What drives thermohaline circulation in the ocean?

Differences in temperature and salinity.

What factor has the greatest impact on regional climate?

Latitude.

How do ocean currents affect temperature?

They regulate temperature, explaining milder climates in coastal regions compared to inland regions.

What is the Walker circulation?

An east-west atmospheric circulation along the equator.

How do volcanic eruptions affect the climate?

They emit aerosols that can cool the climate.

What is the thermohaline circulation often referred to as?

The great ocean conveyor belt.

What happens to the Earth's albedo when sea ice melts due to climate change?

It reduces, leading to more warming.

What has the least impact on climate variation?

Ocean salinity.

What is the primary driver of the Earth's seasons?

The Earth's axial tilt.

Which clouds are most effective at reflecting incoming solar radiation?

Stratus clouds.

What phenomenon is caused by the Earth's rotation?

The Coriolis effect.

What is the role of thermohaline circulation in climate regulation?

It transfers heat between equatorial and polar regions.

What is the biggest contributor to rising sea levels?

The thermal expansion of seawater.

Why do lower latitudes receive more direct sunlight?

Because they are closer to the Equator.

What contributes most to desert formation?

Persistent high-pressure systems.

How do greenhouse gases regulate Earth's energy balance?

By absorbing and emitting infrared radiation.

What is the effect of ocean currents on global climate?

They distribute heat around the planet.

What characterizes the tropical rainforest climatic zone?

High temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round.

How does melting ice contribute to climate change?

By reducing Earth's albedo, leading to amplified warming.

What does the Walker circulation influence?

The El Niño and La Niña phenomena.

How do mountain ranges influence climate?

By acting as barriers, causing rain on one side and dry conditions on the other.

What causes urban heat islands?

Dark surfaces absorbing heat and a lack of vegetation.

What is El Niño associated with?

Unusually warm waters in the Pacific and global climate disruptions.

What effect does deforestation have on albedo?

It decreases albedo, leading to warming.

What are the primary sources of anthropogenic methane emissions?

Livestock and agriculture.

What is the most important factor in determining a region’s climate?

Latitude.

What occurs during ocean acidification?

Carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid.

How do warmer temperatures affect extreme weather events?

They increase both the intensity and frequency of these events.

How does the moon’s gravitational pull affect tides?

It influences tides but has the least impact on local climate.

What greenhouse gas has the highest global warming potential per molecule?

Methane.

How do sulfur aerosols affect climate?

They cool the climate by reflecting solar radiation.

What is the Köppen climate classification system based on?

Temperature and precipitation patterns.

What is a significant long-term consequence of Arctic ice loss?

Amplified global warming due to reduced albedo.

What drives ocean currents?

Wind patterns and temperature differences.

What is the primary reason for ozone depletion?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

What is the primary source of natural sulfur emissions?

Volcanic eruptions.

What effect do high-altitude cirrus clouds have on the planet?

They trap longwave radiation and warm the planet.

What occurs during La Niña events?

The Pacific Ocean cools, strengthening trade winds.

What is a direct effect of increased atmospheric CO2 on oceans?

Ocean acidification.

How are polar regions warming compared to other areas?

Faster due to higher albedo feedback from melting ice.

What does permafrost store?

Methane, which can be released as temperatures rise.

What happens when deforestation occurs?

It removes a major carbon sink, allowing more CO2 to accumulate.

What determines whether precipitation falls as rain or snow?

Air temperature.

What is a direct consequence of global warming?

Sea level rise.

Why do strong high-pressure systems lead to desert formation?

They inhibit cloud formation.

What is the primary cause of ocean acidification?

Increased absorption of CO2 by seawater.

How do black carbon aerosols contribute to warming?

By absorbing heat.

How does climate change affect hurricanes?

It increases their frequency and intensity.

What is the main cause of sea level rise due to climate change?

Expansion of seawater as it warms.

What is one consequence of melting Arctic sea ice?

Weakening of the thermohaline circulation.

Is nitrogen considered a greenhouse gas?

No, it is not considered a greenhouse gas.

What happens when permafrost melts?

It releases methane and carbon dioxide.

What is the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and land known as?

The carbon cycle.

What contributes the most to global warming?

Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels.

How does increased cloud cover affect the Earth?

It can either cool or warm the Earth, depending on cloud type and altitude.

Why are carbon dioxide levels increasing in the atmosphere?

Due to deforestation and burning fossil fuels.

What does the stratosphere contain?

The ozone layer.

How does urbanization affect the local climate?

By creating urban heat islands.

What primarily drives monsoon systems?

Seasonal shifts in wind patterns.

What can volcanic eruptions cause?

Temporary global cooling.

How do ocean currents influence climate?

By transporting heat and moisture.

What role does methane play in climate change?

Acts as a powerful greenhouse gas.

What happens when deforestation occurs?

It reduces evapotranspiration, leading to drier conditions.

What is one effect of ocean acidification?

Reduced marine biodiversity.

What contributes most to desert formation?

Persistent high-pressure systems.

What role do phytoplankton play in the carbon cycle?

They produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

How does melting ice affect global warming?

It reduces albedo, amplifying global warming.

How does global warming affect the hydrological cycle?

It intensifies the hydrological cycle, leading to more extreme weather events.

What major human activity is responsible for increased nitrous oxide emissions?

Industrial fertilizer use.

Why do coastal cities experience milder temperatures?

Because ocean heat capacity moderates temperature fluctuations.

How do aerosols affect climate?

They can either warm or cool the climate, depending on their composition.

What happens when ice sheets and glaciers melt?

They contribute to rising sea levels.

How does ocean warming impact hurricanes?

It strengthens hurricanes by providing more energy.

What seasonal temperature variation is experienced in the temperate climate zone?

The greatest seasonal temperature variation.

What happens to radiation absorbed by Gaia Earth's surface?

It is re-radiated as longwave radiation.

What drives the greenhouse effect primarily?

The absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases.

How does deforestation affect carbon sequestration?

It reduces carbon sequestration, increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

What does the Walker Circulation influence?

The El Niño and La Niña phenomena.

What are common consequences of climate change on biodiversity?

Habitat loss and species extinction.

How do increased greenhouse gas emissions affect ocean temperatures?

They trap more heat, contributing to ocean warming.

What is a primary reason for more intense droughts in some regions?

A shift in planetary wind patterns.

How do mountains affect local climate?

By blocking wind patterns, creating dry and wet regions.

Why are polar regions warming faster than the tropics?

Due to polar amplification caused by melting ice that reduces albedo.

How do global wind patterns affect ocean currents?

By driving the movement of surface currents, influencing climate patterns.

What is a direct effect of a weakening jet stream?

An increased frequency of extreme weather events.

What feedback mechanism amplifies Arctic warming?

Melting ice reducing albedo, leading to more heat absorption.

What primarily causes coral bleaching?

Ocean acidification and rising sea temperatures.

How do scientists use climate models?

To simulate and predict future climate conditions based on various factors.