MISA - Maryland Integrated Science Assessment Human Impact on Climate Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which human activity is the largest source of the excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) that is enhancing the greenhouse effect and causing recent climate change?

Accepted Answer

The burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.

Answer

The use of chemical fertilizers in large-scale agriculture.

Answer

Large-scale deforestation, particularly in tropical regions.

Answer

The disposal of organic waste in municipal landfills.

Question 2

A large area of rainforest is cleared and burned to make way for agriculture. Which of the following describes the most significant, direct impact of this action on the global climate?

Accepted Answer

A decrease in the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Answer

A temporary cooling effect from the smoke and ash blocking sunlight.

Answer

An increase in atmospheric oxygen levels from the burning of plant matter.

Answer

A major disruption in local wind patterns, leading to fewer hurricanes.

Question 3

The world's oceans absorb a significant amount of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activities. Which of the following is a direct chemical consequence of this absorption?

Accepted Answer

Increased ocean acidity, which harms marine organisms with shells.

Answer

A decrease in the average salinity of the ocean's surface waters.

Answer

A significant increase in the ocean's average temperature.

Answer

A rapid increase in dissolved oxygen levels, benefiting most fish.

Question 4

Scientists analyze air bubbles trapped deep within Antarctic ice cores. They find that over the past 800,000 years, atmospheric CO₂ levels and global temperatures have consistently risen and fallen together. What is the most logical conclusion that can be drawn from this strong correlation?

Accepted Answer

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is a critical factor in regulating Earth's temperature.

Answer

The amount of ice on Earth's surface directly controls the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Answer

Changes in Earth's orbit are the only factor that influences long-term climate.

Answer

Volcanic activity has ceased to be a factor in climate during this period.

Question 5

A state government offers incentives for power companies to close coal-fired power plants and build wind and solar farms instead. What is the primary climate-related benefit of this shift in energy production?

Accepted Answer

It reduces the emission of greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

Answer

Wind and solar farms take up less land area than coal mines.

Answer

It guarantees a constant and uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Answer

It eliminates all environmental impacts associated with energy generation.

Question 6

Besides carbon dioxide, methane (CH₄) is another powerful greenhouse gas. Which of the following human activities is a major source of atmospheric methane?

Accepted Answer

Livestock farming and the decomposition of waste in landfills.

Answer

The manufacturing of cement and concrete.

Answer

The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers on farmland.

Answer

The process of splitting atoms in nuclear power plants.