Climate+Exam


 * Climate and the Atmosphere Exam Review:**

1. What are the 5 layers of the atmosphere? Which of these layers do we interact with? In which layer do we find the Ozone layer? 2. Which gases are most abundant in our atmosphere? Which of these gases are involved in the Greenhouse affect? 3. What is the Greenhouse affect? 4. What is the Ozone Layer? What does the ozone layer do? What affect do CFCs have on the Ozone layer, and why do they have this affect? 5. What is the Montreal Protocol? 6. What is the role of photosynthesis is the evolution of the atmosphere? 7. How do bacteria affect the nitrogen cycle? 8. How do humans affect the carbon cycle? 9. Describe the rain shadow affect? 10. Describe the correlation between atmospheric CO2 concentration and global average temperature. 11. Describe the natural cycles of climate change on Earth, as well as how the current trends in climate change are distinct, and different from the changes that have occurred in the past. 12. What are feedback mechanisms? What is the difference between a positive and a negative feedback mechanism? Describe some of the feedback loops involved in climate change. 13. What is albedo? What factors affect planetary albedo? How does albedo affect climate? 14. What evidence suggests that climate is changing and that it is being caused by human activity? What are the potential consequences of climate change to humans and to the environment? Why is it difficult to predict the exact outcomes of climate change?


 * ESSAY PROMPT:**

Suppose that the senator for your political district is considering whether or not to support legislation that would require the United States to sign the Kyoto Protocol – an international agreement to curb and restrict the emission of greenhouse gases. This same senator has said publically that he is skeptical the reality of climate change, and is not sure what to make of the evidence. Compose a letter to your senator, in 5 paragraph essay format, explaining the evidence that climate is changing, and outlining the possible consequences to humans and the environment. Your letter should contain the following:

· An introduction that explains the importance of taking acting to curb climate change.

· A summary of the evidence that climate is in fact changing, referencing at least three of the graphs and figures provided to you.

· A description of the correlation between climate change and human activities

· An account of the possible consequences of severe climate change to humans and to the environment.

· A conclusion that explains why signing and abiding by the Kyoto Protocol is likely to be an affective step to curb climate change.

YOU MAY USE A COPY OF THE NOTES WE TOOK DURING CLASS ABOUT THE EVIDENCE IN FAVOR OF CLIMATE CHANGE (all those graphs, remember?). IF YOU NEED AN ADDITIONAL COPY, YOU WILL NEED TO ASK MR. HOLLOWAY PERSONALLY.