Reference no: EM133535405
Question
1. Variation in the Earth's climate over time is influenced by:
a. Variation is the sun's output, cyclic changes in Earth's orbit, volcanic eruptions, variability in large-scale weather systems and changes in the composition of the atmosphere.
b. Variability in large-scale weather systems (such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation) only.
c. Only cyclic changes in the Earth's orbit
d. Variations in the sun's output and volcanic eruptions only.
2. Which of the following statements about climate models is NOT correct?
a. Climate models simulate the climate processes in a three-dimensional array of grid-boxes that encompasses the whole globe and extends vertically upwards through the atmosphere and downwards through the ocean.
b. Climate models have been continually developed and improved over the last 30 years. Modern climate models incorporate interactions between the atmosphere, the oceans, sea ice and the land surface.
c. Climate models are computer simulations that solve complex mathematical equations describing the well-understood physical and chemical climate processes
d. Small-scale physical processes such as cloud formation and atmospheric and ocean turbulence are simulated directly by global climate models.
3. Climate variability and climate change occur simultaneously but climate CHANGE:
a. Always occurs in sudden 'step' changes.
b. Is short-term changes from the average climate conditions.
c. Is caused by the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
d. Is a long-term shift in the average climate conditions.
4. Emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols over the 21st century are uncertain so it is best to:
a. Assume that recent trends in emissions will continue in a linear fashion.
b. Evaluate the future changes under just the highest emissions scenario (RCP8.5) since this is what CO2 emissions have been tracking for the past decade.
c. Assume that a mid-range scenario (such as RCP4.5) is most likely.
d. Explore the effects of two or more plausible scenarios of emissions. The most recent of these are called Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs).