#1
Which gas makes up the majority of Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen
ExplanationNitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, comprising about 78% of it.
#2
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
Methane
ExplanationMethane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
#3
What is the primary source of energy that drives Earth's climate system?
Solar energy
ExplanationSolar energy is the primary driver of Earth's climate system, providing energy for processes like temperature variations, weather patterns, and ocean currents.
#4
What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere?
Blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation
ExplanationThe ozone layer primarily serves to absorb and block harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
#5
What is the term for the process by which water vapor turns into liquid water droplets in the atmosphere?
Condensation
ExplanationCondensation is the process of water vapor cooling and forming liquid droplets, essential for cloud formation and precipitation.
#6
What is the name of the layer in the Earth's atmosphere where weather events occur?
Troposphere
ExplanationThe troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather phenomena like clouds, rain, and storms occur.
#7
Which ocean current is responsible for the warm waters along the eastern coast of the United States?
Gulf Stream
ExplanationThe Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current originating in the Gulf of Mexico, responsible for the warm climate along the eastern coast of the United States and Western Europe.
#8
What is the phenomenon where warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating vertical circulation in the atmosphere?
Convection
ExplanationConvection is the process of heat transfer through the movement of fluid (such as air or water) where warmer, less dense material rises, and cooler, denser material sinks.
#9
Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
Stratosphere
ExplanationThe stratosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere where the ozone layer is located, playing a crucial role in absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
#10
Which climate factor is influenced by the Earth's tilt on its axis and its orbit around the Sun?
Seasons
ExplanationThe tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause variations in solar energy received, resulting in the changing seasons.
#11
What is the primary role of the Coriolis effect in the Earth's atmosphere?
Creating trade winds
ExplanationThe Coriolis effect, caused by Earth's rotation, deflects moving air masses, creating global wind patterns including the trade winds.
#12
Which greenhouse gas is primarily responsible for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide
ExplanationCarbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas in terms of its contribution to global warming and climate change.
#13
What is the name of the large-scale climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific?
El Niño
ExplanationEl Niño is a climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, influencing global weather patterns.
#14
Which gas is considered a trace gas but plays a crucial role in the greenhouse effect due to its high heat-trapping ability?
Methane
ExplanationMethane, despite being a trace gas in the atmosphere, is potent in trapping heat, contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect.
#15
What is the Milankovitch theory related to Earth's climate?
Theory of orbital variations
ExplanationThe Milankovitch theory explains long-term climate changes based on variations in Earth's orbit, axial tilt, and precession.