Test: Atmosphere - Year 11 MCQ

Agricultural practices, particularly livestock digestion and the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, are significant sources of methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is over 20 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.

Deforestation contributes to global warming by releasing stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when trees are cut down and burned or decay. This process increases the concentration of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change.

Water vapor plays a crucial role in the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the atmosphere. It is also essential for cloud formation and precipitation, impacting weather patterns significantly.

Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the most abundant gas. It is a colorless and odorless gas that is essential for the growth of living organisms, as it is a key component of proteins and nucleic acids.

Global warming forces many species to migrate toward higher altitudes or latitudes as they seek cooler environments. This shift can disrupt existing ecosystems and lead to challenges for species that cannot adapt quickly enough.

The greenhouse effect leads to global warming, which in turn causes the melting of glaciers and ice caps. As these ice masses melt, sea levels rise, threatening coastal areas and ecosystems.

The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, characterized by extremely low air density. It is where particles are so sparse that they can travel hundreds of kilometers without colliding with one another, and it gradually merges into outer space.

Carbon dioxide is released during respiration by animals and plants. It is also used by plants in photosynthesis, forming a critical part of the carbon cycle that sustains life on Earth.

Global warming is primarily driven by human activities, including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes that release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to an increase in Earth's average temperature.

CFCs are synthetic compounds that contribute significantly to ozone layer depletion. They release chlorine atoms upon exposure to UV radiation, which can destroy ozone molecules, leading to an increase in harmful UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to a rise in Earth's average temperature. This occurs because carbon dioxide traps heat, preventing it from escaping back into space, which contributes to global warming.

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where nearly all weather occurs. It contains water vapor and dust particles, which contribute to the formation of clouds and precipitation, making it vital for weather changes.

Planting trees is an effective way to combat global warming as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This process reduces the concentration of greenhouse gases and helps mitigate climate change.

Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas; rather, it is essential for respiration in living organisms. Greenhouse gases, like methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat from the sun. This process keeps the Earth's temperature stable and allows for a suitable climate for life. Without it, Earth would be too cold to support most life forms.