Patterns in Systems Answers

The radiosonde can be used to measure upper air temperature.

The amount of sunlight received at Earth's surface fluctuates more at the poles than the equator.

There is a single instrument to measure climate change.

Why are a variety of instruments needed to measure change in the climate system?a.A different type of instrument is needed for each different climate.b.The climate system involves a number of different factors that are measured differently.c.Climate is determined over a number of years, rather than a short period of time.d.Different areas have developed different instruments to measure climate change.

How are the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles similar?a.They are all biogeochemical cycles.b.They all involve an interaction between living and nonliving elements.c.They are all part of the Earth system.d.All of the above.

Which of the following is an effect of global warming?a.falling sea levelsb.decrease in the acidity of seawater c.heavier rainfall and floodingd.health improvements

How do landfills contribute to global warming?a.They keep people from recycling.b.Animals become dependent on landfills for resources.c.They take up valuable space.d.They produce methane, a greenhouse gas.

Which of the following is not an advantage to tracking changes in the climate system?a.forecasting weather b.predicting natural disastersc.tracking human impact on climated.preventing weather events

Where are rain gauges located?a.on or near the groundb.one meter above the groundc.on weather balloonsd.on satellites

There is only one possible path for each stage in the rock cycle.