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Climate Science and Climatology Flashcards

7 cards from real AMS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Climate Science and Climatology flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary external driver of Earth's climate system?

    Answer: Solar radiation

    Solar radiation is the dominant energy input that drives atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and the global climate system.

  2. The Milankovitch cycles describe climate variability caused by:

    Answer: Periodic variations in Earth's orbital parameters

    Milankovitch cycles refer to variations in Earth's eccentricity, axial tilt, and precession that alter the distribution and intensity of solar radiation reaching Earth.

  3. Which greenhouse gas has the highest global warming potential (GWP) per molecule over a 100-year time horizon?

    Answer: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

    SF6 has a GWP of approximately 23,500 over 100 years, far exceeding CO2, CH4, and N2O on a per-molecule basis.

  4. The Köppen climate classification system primarily categorizes climates based on:

    Answer: Temperature and precipitation patterns

    Köppen's system uses monthly and annual temperature and precipitation thresholds, along with seasonal patterns, to define five major climate zones and their subtypes.

  5. The globally averaged mean surface temperature of Earth is approximately:

    Answer: 15°C (59°F)

    Earth's global mean surface temperature is approximately 15°C (288 K), which is about 33°C warmer than it would be without the natural greenhouse effect.

  6. Which surface type has the highest typical albedo?

    Answer: Fresh dry snow

    Fresh dry snow has an albedo of 0.80–0.90, reflecting most incoming solar radiation, which is why snow-covered regions remain cold and why ice-albedo feedback amplifies climate change.

  7. The standard climatological reference period used by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to define climate normals is:

    Answer: 30 years

    WMO defines climate normals as 30-year averages (currently 1991–2020) to provide a stable statistical baseline that smooths interannual variability.