1.
Which of the following feedback mechanisms amplifies global warming by increasing atmospheric water vapor?
A) Albedo effect
B) Ice-albedo feedback
C) Positive water vapor feedback
D) Carbon sequestration
2.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports often refer to the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). What does RCP 8.5 represent?
A) A scenario with aggressive greenhouse gas mitigation
B) A low greenhouse gas emissions pathway
C) A high greenhouse gas emissions “business-as-usual” scenario
D) A pathway based on geoengineering interventions
3.
Ocean acidification due to increased CO₂ levels primarily affects marine life by:
A) Increasing ocean temperatures
B) Decreasing carbonate ion concentration, affecting shell formation
C) Increasing oxygen content in water
D) Increasing salinity levels
4.
Which of the following gases has the highest global warming potential (GWP) over a 100-year period?
A) Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
B) Methane (CH₄)
C) Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
D) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)
5.
The concept of “climate sensitivity” refers to:
A) The rate of greenhouse gas emissions increase annually
B) The temperature increase resulting from a doubling of atmospheric CO₂ concentration
C) The sensitivity of plants to temperature changes
D) The variability of precipitation patterns
6.
Which of the following phenomena is NOT a direct consequence of global warming?
A) Sea level rise due to melting glaciers
B) Increased frequency of extreme weather events
C) Ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere
D) Disruption of oceanic thermohaline circulation
7.
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels primarily by:
A) Reducing methane emissions only
B) Achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by mid-century
C) Halting all fossil fuel usage by 2030
D) Geoengineering via solar radiation management
8.
Which terrestrial biome is expected to experience the greatest shift due to climate change by 2100?
A) Tropical rainforests
B) Arctic tundra
C) Temperate deciduous forests
D) Desert ecosystems
9.
Which of the following is considered a negative feedback in the climate system?
A) Melting Arctic sea ice lowering surface albedo
B) Increased cloud cover reflecting solar radiation back to space
C) Permafrost thaw releasing methane
D) Deforestation reducing carbon sequestration
10.
The “carbon budget” concept refers to:
A) The total amount of carbon that can be emitted while limiting warming to a certain target
B) The annual global carbon emissions by fossil fuel combustion
C) The amount of carbon stored in forests worldwide
D) The trade value of carbon credits in international markets
1.
Answer: C) Positive water vapor feedback
Explanation: As temperatures rise, more water evaporates, increasing atmospheric water vapor, which is a potent greenhouse gas. This amplifies warming — a classic positive feedback loop.
2.
Answer: C) A high greenhouse gas emissions “business-as-usual” scenario
Explanation: RCP 8.5 represents a future with continued high emissions without significant mitigation efforts, often called the “worst-case” or “business-as-usual” scenario.
3.
Answer: B) Decreasing carbonate ion concentration, affecting shell formation
Explanation: Increased CO₂ dissolves in ocean water forming carbonic acid, which lowers pH and reduces carbonate ions needed by marine organisms like corals and shellfish to build shells and skeletons.
4.
Answer: D) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)
Explanation: SF₆ has a GWP thousands of times greater than CO₂, although it is present in smaller quantities. Methane and nitrous oxide have high GWPs but are lower than SF₆.
5.
Answer: B) The temperature increase resulting from a doubling of atmospheric CO₂ concentration
Explanation: Climate sensitivity quantifies how much Earth’s average temperature will rise if CO₂ levels double relative to pre-industrial times, usually expressed in °C.
6.
Answer: C) Ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere
Explanation: While ozone depletion and climate change are related atmospheric issues, ozone depletion is mainly caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and is not a direct consequence of global warming.
7.
Answer: B) Achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by mid-century
Explanation: The Paris Agreement’s main goal is to reduce net global CO₂ emissions to zero around 2050 to limit warming well below 2°C.
8.
Answer: B) Arctic tundra
Explanation: The Arctic tundra is warming much faster than other biomes, causing permafrost thaw, vegetation shifts, and loss of habitat, making it highly vulnerable to climate change.
9.
Answer: B) Increased cloud cover reflecting solar radiation back to space
Explanation: More clouds can increase Earth’s albedo, reflecting sunlight and exerting a cooling effect, acting as a negative feedback, unlike the other options which amplify warming.
10.
Answer: A) The total amount of carbon that can be emitted while limiting warming to a certain target
Explanation: The carbon budget defines how much CO₂ humanity can emit before surpassing a temperature threshold (e.g., 1.5°C or 2°C warming).
Course Purchase Query 