question

Geography" literally means

answer

to write (about) Earth

question

If you wanted a map with a lot of detail of a small area you would want a

answer

a large scale map.

question

An angular distance measured east or west of a prime meridian from the center of Earth is termed

answer

longitude

question

A non-rechargeable battery can best be described as a/an __________ energy system and a/an __________ material system.

answer

C) closed; closed

question

The basis for defining the length of a day is the fact that

answer

) Earth rotates on its axis in 24 hours; i.e., it rotates 15° of longitude per hour.

question

Which of the following possesses all of Earth's properties of area, shape, direction, proximity, and distance, correctly? A) Mercator projection B) Robinson projection C) a world globe D) Alber's equal-area conic projection

answer

a world globe

question

Remote sensing is

answer

the monitoring of a distant object without physical contact.

question

With respect to air, water, and material resources, which of the following is true? A) A leaf is an open system. B) A leaf is an open system in terms of water, but closed in terms of energy resources. C) A leaf is an open system in terms of air, but closed in terms of material resources. D) A leaf is a closed system.

answer

A leaf is an open system

question

The part of geography that embodies map making is known as

answer

cartography

question

Which of the following statements about Earth is correct? A) Earth is perfectly spherical. B) The equatorial diameter is 42 km (26 mi.) greater than the polar diameter. C) It is elongated. D) Earth is the second largest planet in the solar system

answer

The equatorial diameter is 42 km (26 mi.) greater than the polar diameter.

question

The scale of a map can be expressed by which of the following? A) representative fraction B) written scale C) graphic scale D) All of these are correct. E) None of these are correct.

answer

D) All of these are correct.

question

The capacity to change the motion of, or to do work on, matter is the definition of

answer

A) energy.

question

) The difference in Sun time between two places located 30° in longitude apart from one another is

answer

D) two hours

question

) (Place your city here)'s absolute location is best described as

answer

A) (Place your latitude and longitude here as presented in lecture).

question

) Which of the following is an example of an active remote sensing device? A) film B) video camera C) infrared sensor D) radar

answer

D) radar

question

) The most extreme northern and southern parallels to experience perpendicular rays of the Sun at local noon

answer

A) 23.5° north and south.

question

If you were preparing a map showing the distribution of world climates, which type of map projection would you want to use to allow accurate comparison of areas and regions?

answer

A) equal area

question

If we burn fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and warm the atmosphere, as the oceans warm they will release more carbon dioxide, which warms the atmosphere. This is an example of __________ feedback. If the increased atmospheric carbon dioxide causes increased plant growth which removes carbon dioxide and cools the atmosphere, this is an example of __________ feedback

answer

A) positive; negative

question

Cylindrical map projections, such as the Mercator, have a rectangular grid; i.e., parallels and meridians cross at right angles

answer

true

question

GIS systems use satellites to find locations precisely.

answer

false

question

A picture taken with film in a camera is an example of passive remote sensing

answer

true

question

"Longitude" is the name of an angle, and "meridian" is the name of an imaginary line that connects all points along the same longitude.

answer

true

question

Maps that are intended to show spatial distributions should be based on projections that minimize area distortion, rather than shape distortion.

answer

true

question

Photosynthesis in a plant leaf is an example of an open-system operation

answer

true

question

) What is the name of the location on the surface of Earth that receives insolation when the Sun is directly overhead? (When this occurs, the Sun's rays are perpendicular to this surface.)

answer

A) subsolar point

question

Light travels at a speed of approximately

answer

A) 300,000 kilometers per second (186,333 miles per second).

question

Earth's diameter is

answer

C) about 40,000 km (24,000 mi.).

question

The dominant wavelength of energy emitted by the Sun is A) the same length as that emitted by Earth. B) shorter than that emitted by Earth. C) longer than that emitted by Earth.

answer

B) shorter than that emitted by Earth.

question

According to Figure 2.76, given the tilt of the axis (20°), the Tropic of Capricorn would be located at

answer

C) 20° S

question

) In Figure 2.76, what position corresponds to the winter solstice for observers in the northern hemisphere? (Assume north is toward the top of the page.)

answer

C) C

question

According to Figure 2.76, given the tilt of the axis (20°), the Arctic Circle would be located at

answer

B) B and D

question

) Intercepted solar radiation is called

answer

C) insolation.

question

) Which of the following sequences is arranged in order from shorter wavelength to longer wavelength? A) gamma rays, microwaves, visible, X-rays B) radio waves, light, heat, X-rays C) infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays D) X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared

answer

D) X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared

question

1372 watts per square meter (2 calories per cm2 per minute) refers to the

answer

C) solar constant.

question

The term "net radiation" refers to

answer

D) the difference in amount of incoming and outgoing radiation.

question

On its way to Earth, the solar wind first encounters

answer

D) the magnetosphere.

question

The Sun produces which of the following? A) only radiant energy that is beneficial to life B) mainly ultraviolet and X-rays C) only solar wind D) mainly visible light and infrared energy

answer

D) mainly visible light and infrared energy

question

) Which of the following accurately describes Earth's distance from the Sun? A) The Earth-Sun distance averages 150 million kilometers (93 million miles). B) Earth is closer to the Sun in January (perihelion) and farther away in July (aphelion). C) It takes light an average of 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel from the Sun to Earth. D) All of these are correct.

answer

D) All of these are correct

question

The sun's declination migrates through

answer

B) 47°.

question

) Which of the following results from radiation imbalances at different latitudes? A) global winds B) hurricanes C) ocean currents D) all of the above E) none of the above

answer

D) all of the above

question

The __________ emits mainly __________ which is also called __________.

answer

C) Earthlongwave radiationinfrared

question

) The Tropic of Cancer refers to

answer

C) the parallel that is the farthest northern location for the subsolar point during the year

question

Which of the following statements is true? A) December 21 = subsolar point at the Tropic of Cancer. B) December 21 = vernal equinox. C) June 21= equal day and nights everywhere on Earth. D) September 22 = summer solstice in Australia. E) March 21 = equal day and nights everywhere on Earth.

answer

E) March 21 = equal day and nights everywhere on Earth.

question

The magnetosphere deflects the solar wind toward Earth's two poles

answer

true

question

Earth is at perihelion in early January when it is closest to the Sun

answer

true

question

Rotation is Earth's motion on its axis; revolution is its motion about the Sun.

answer

true

question

) The subsolar point is at the Tropic of Cancer on December 21.

answer

false

question

The reaction of automobile exhaust and ultraviolet light

answer

D) forms smoke and fog.

question

Temperatures increase with increasing altitude in what two atmospheric layers?

answer

C) stratosphere and thermosphere

question

Temperature inversions occur

answer

C) when surface temperatures are lower than warmer overlying air

question

Temperatures within the stratosphere

answer

A) increase with altitude because of the absorption of ultraviolet radiation

question

Which of the following is true regarding the depletion of ozone in the ozonosphere? A) It results from chemical reactions with chlorine derived from CFCs. B) The notion that ozone is being depleted as a result of human activity has little scientific evidence to support it. C) The depletion is restricted to the arctic and antarctic regions. D) It results from the burning of fossil fuels

answer

A) It results from chemical reactions with chlorine derived from CFCs

question

Based on composition, the atmosphere is divided into

answer

B) two broad classifications: homosphere and heterosphere

question

Sources of natural variable gases and materials include all of the following except A) volcanoes. B) forest fires. C) industrial activity. D) plants and decaying plants

answer

C) industrial activity.

question

Which of the following lists the correct sequence of gases, from most to least, in terms of percentage within the homosphere? A) oxygen, ozone, nitrogen, PAN, carbon dioxide B) nitrogen, argon, oxygen, xenon, carbon dioxide C) nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, trace gases D) oxygen, nitrogen, neon, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide

answer

C) nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, trace gases

question

Which of the following is a consequence of acid rain? A) changes in soil chemistry B) the dying of forests C) damage to aquatic ecosystems (rivers and lakes) D) All of these are true.

answer

D) All of these are true

question

A by-product of photosynthesis is

answer

C) oxygen

question

Three criteria used for classification of the atmosphere explained in the text are

answer

B) composition, temperature, and function

question

Half of Earth's atmosphere lies below an elevation of __________ meters.

answer

A) 5500

question

Which of the following is true of chlorofluorocarbons? A) The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release carbon which then destroys ozone. B) The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release fluorine which then destroys ozone. C) Most of the CFC-induced ozone destruction is occurring near the equator, rather than near the poles. D) The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release chlorine which then destroys ozone.

answer

D) The CFC molecules react with ultraviolet light to release chlorine which then destroys ozone.

question

Variable atmospheric components refer to

answer

D) both natural and anthropogenic gases and materials.

question

In the lower atmosphere, H2SO4 is

answer

C) related to the problem of acid deposition.

question

The thermopause is located

answer

D) approximately 480 km (300 mi.) above Earth's surface.

question

Carbon monoxide is potentially dangerous because it

answer

D) replaces oxygen on red blood cells

question

Based on temperature, the atmosphere is divided into

answer

D) four regions: ranging from the troposphere to the thermosphere.

question

Which gas in the atmosphere is used by plants to form sugars, is soluble in water, and makes rain naturally acidic? A) oxygen B) nitrogen dioxide C) argon D) carbon dioxide

answer

D) carbon dioxide

question

Weather is confined to the troposphere because

answer

D) the temperature of the stratosphere prevents tropospheric air from rising into it.

question

The ozonosphere is critical to life because it

answer

absorbs most ultraviolet wavelengths.

question

The highest temperatures in the atmosphere occur in the __________ because __________.

answer

E) thermosphere; it is in direct contact with high energy solar radiation

question

The normal lapse rate for temperature decreases is an average of 3°C per 1000 m.

answer

false

question

Based on the criteria of composition, the atmosphere is divided into two broad regions: the ionosphere and the ozonosphere

answer

false

question

Weather (rain, fog, storms, etc.) occurs primarily in the troposphere

answer

true

question

) The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is higher now than any time in the last 800,000 years.

answer

true

question

The heterosphere has a layered structure, whereas the homosphere occurs as an even mixture of gases

answer

true

question

Karst topography is formed primarily by

answer

carbonic acid solution.

question

Which of the following is an example of a first order of relief? A) the Alps and Rockies B) the Shenandoah Valley C) an ocean basin D) the Tibetan Plateau

answer

C) an ocean basin

question

Glacial polish results from

answer

abrasion.

question

An interruption in a stream's graded profile of equilibrium is called a

answer

nickpoint.

question

The total possible load a stream can transport is its ________, whereas a stream's ability to move particles of specific size is its ________.

answer

capacity; competence

question

Drowned glacial valleys are known as

answer

fjords.

question

Water can be considered a "universal" solvent.

answer

true

question

Orogenesis refers to

answer

B) a general term for the beginning of a mountain-building episode that thickens continental crust.

question

A tributary that is physically unable to join the main channel on a floodplain is called a/an

answer

yazoo tributary

question

Stream transport involves all of the following except A) traction. B) bed load. C) sheet flow. D) saltation.

answer

sheet flow

question

Elongated, streamlined ridges aligned parallel to the most effective wind direction are called

answer

yardangs.

question

Compared to oceanic crust, continental crust is

answer

D) generally more complex in content and structure.

question

Which of the following gives the correct sequence of layers in Earth, from the surface to the center? A) crust, core, lower mantle, asthenosphere B) crust, lower mantle, asthenosphere, core C) asthenosphere, lower mantle, crust, core D) crust, asthenosphere, lower mantle, core

answer

crust, asthenosphere, lower mantle, core

question

The ultimate base level is

answer

sea level.

question

Which of the following occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in alignment (i.e., in opposition or conjunction)? A) neap tides occur B) a lower tidal range occurs C) maximum tidal ranges occur D) None of thesethis type of alignment does not happen in nature.

answer

C) maximum tidal ranges occur

question

A common crescent-shaped dune with horns pointed downwind is called a

answer

barchan dune.

question

Plate boundaries are associated with A) earthquakes. B) rifting. C) volcanoes. D) subduction. E) all of these

answer

E) all of these

question

The San Andreas system in California is an example of a A) strike -slip fault. B) right-lateral motion. C) transform fault. D) All of these are correct

answer

D) All of these are correct.

question

Uplift of the landscape creates ________ energy which is converted to ________ energy when materials begin to move downslope

answer

D) potential; kinetic

question

The motion of seismic waves is initiated in a subsurface location along the fault plane called the

answer

A) focus.

question

Which of the following are erosional landforms created by alpine glaciation? A) till plains B) cols and horns C) eskers D) drumlins

answer

cols and horns

question

The rate at which rocks weather depends upon A) the type of rock. B) the amount of vegetation in an area. C) the climate of an area. D) all of these E) the climate of an area and the type of rock only

answer

D) all of these

question

Watersheds are defined by

answer

drainage divides.

question

A landslide differs from a debris avalanche in that

answer

the materials in a landslide are not saturated with water

question

Composite cones have steep slopes and experience ________ eruptions because they are composed of ________ magma.

answer

violent; felsic

question

Regular patterns of smooth, rounded waves are called

answer

swells.

question

After water itself, what are the primary elements that occur in sea water?

answer

chlorine and sodium

question

A glacier that is confined in a bowl-shaped recess is called a

answer

cirque glacier.

question

Worldwide, alpine glaciers are presently increasing in size and number.

answer

false

question

Lithification refers to the cementation, compaction, and hardening of sediments

answer

true

question

The ocean floor is created along midocean ridges.

answer

true

question

A tarn is a lake in a

answer

cirque

question

Consider the equation Q = wdv. According to the equation, if Q (discharge) remains constant, but w and d decrease (as when a channel becomes more narrow and shallow), the velocity will

answer

increase.

question

When geologists or archaeologists dig downward into a unit of rock or sediment, they are digging "back in time." This fact is based on the principle of ________.

answer

superposition

question

Explosive eruptions tend to build up

answer

composite volcanoes

question

The term "eolian" refers to

answer

D) erosion, transportation, and deposition by the wind.

question

Pulverized rock and clastic materials ejected violently during an eruption are called

answer

) tephra, or pyroclastics

question

Stream-related processes are termed

answer

) fluvial.

question

Molten rock that pours forth on Earth's surface is called

answer

lava.

question

Alfred Wegner's theory of continental drift was immediately accepted by the scientific community when it was proposed.

answer

false

question

The bulk of ice on Earth is sitting in

answer

) Greenland and Antarctica

question

Louis Agassiz called glacially deposited boulders that differ in composition and origin from the ground on which they rest

answer

erratics.

question

Pangaea is currently dated at

answer

B) 225 to 200 million years ago.

question

Continental crust is basically ________, whereas oceanic crust is basically ________.

answer

granite; basalt

question

If you wanted to avoid earthquakes, which of the following areas would be the safest to live? A) island arc along a subduction zone B) convergent plate boundary C) divergent plate boundary D) shield

answer

shield

question

Stream width, depth, and velocity are all responsive to discharge rates.

answer

true

question

The Appalachians are older than the Rockies

answer

true

question

Desert pavement refers to

answer

surfaces of concentrated pebbles and gravels that are produced by particle removal and water-delivered cementing materials.

question

Which of the following is likely to occur if the gradient of a stream increases? (Assume that the discharge and sediment load remain unchanged.) A) The amount of aggradation in the channel will increase. B) The stream will begin to erode its channel and/or its banks. C) The stream will begin to deposit more of its load. D) The amount of bed load transport will decrease.

answer

B) The stream will begin to erode its channel and/or its banks.

question

Karst topography involves the chemical weathering of granite landscapes.

answer

false

question

A rock transformed from any other rock through profound physical and/or chemical processes is referred to as

answer

metamorphic

question

Coral formations

answer

are made of animals living symbiotically with simple algae

question

The removal and lifting of individual loose particles by the wind is termed

answer

deflation

question

Which of the following is true regarding permafrost? A) The surface layer in a permafrost region never thawseven during the warm season. B) It is an area that is covered by glaciers. C) It develops where soil or rock temperatures are below freezing for at least two years. D) It occurs at a lower elevation in the midlatitudes than in the high latitudes.

answer

C) It develops where soil or rock temperatures are below freezing for at least two years.

question

A winding hill of sorted sand and gravel deposits is known as a/an ________ and is deposited by a/an ________ glacier.

answer

esker; continental

question

When two valley glaciers join together, they form a ________ at the point at which they merge.

answer

medial moraine

question

The ocean floor subducts under continents because A) the ocean floor has a lower density and therefore sinks more easily. B) the ocean floor is made of mafic material and is therefore more dense than continental material. C) the ocean floor is made of felsic minerals and is heavier than continental material. D) the weight of the continents is so great that they push the ocean floor material downward. E) both A and B

answer

B) the ocean floor is made of mafic material and is therefore more dense than continental material.

question

Coral bleaching refers to A) the loss of algae from the coral. B) the replacement of normal, colored algae by white algae. C) the killing of coral formations by chlorine bleach pollution. D) all of these

answer

A) the loss of algae from the coral.

question

Terranes refer to

answer

D) displaced and migrating pieces of Earth's crust.

question

Uniformitarianism assumes that

answer

the same physical processes we see today are a key to understanding the processes that have been operating throughout geologic time

question

The disintegration and dissolving of surface and subsurface rock is called

answer

weathering

question

Rivers make excellent political boundaries since they are clearly defined landform features.

answer

false

question

A cutoff on a meandering stream results in the formation of

answer

an oxbow lake

question

The science that specifically studies the origin, evolution, form, and spatial distribution of landforms is

answer

geomorphology

question

In the Northern hemisphere mid-latitudes, slopes that face ________ have more trees on them because ________.

answer

C) north; they are more moist

question

Rocks that appear pitted and grooved, and sometimes polished smooth by eolian processes, are termed

answer

ventifacts

question

The presence of meltwater at the bottom of a glacier can increase its rate of movement.

answer

true

question

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from

answer

plants

question

Continental shields, or cratons, are generally of low elevation and old in age.

answer

true

question

Which of the following is false regarding floodplains? A) They are formed by recurrent flooding in the area adjacent to the stream. B) They are characterized by rapids and low waterfalls. C) They are generally low-lying areas. D) Natural levees on either side of a stream are formed during times when the stream is at flood stage and overflows the bank.

answer

B) They are characterized by rapids and low waterfalls.

question

Which of the following is not a sedimentary rock? A) bituminous coal B) sandstone C) shale D) marble

answer

marble

question

The uplift of mountains is caused by

answer

endogenic processes

question

At which of the following locations does subduction occur? A) along collision zones between continental and oceanic plates B) along collision zones between two continents C) at sea floor spreading zones D) above mantle hot spots

answer

A) along collision zones between continental and oceanic plates

question

An earthquake, submarine landslide, or eruption of an undersea volcano is capable of producing a

answer

tsunami

question

Particles of sand, gravels, and shells that move along the shore form the

answer

beach drift

question

The crust is thickest under mountains and thinnest under the oceans

answer

true

question

Vertical elevation differences in a local landscape are referred to as

answer

relief

question

The effect of urbanization on a typical stream hydrograph is to

answer

A) decrease lag time between storm peak and peak stream discharge.

question

) Snow that has a compact, granular structure is known as

answer

firn

question

The large sheets of rock that break off batholiths, such as Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, develop as a result of

answer

exfoliation

question

) Other than the rock itself, the most important chemical substance needed for the majority of weathering processes is

answer

water

question

Which of the following lists of processes are in the correct sequence as to their occurrence in nature? A) weathering, deposition, erosion, transport B) weathering, erosion, transport, deposition C) deposition, erosion, transport, weathering D) weathering, erosion, deposition, transport

answer

weathering, erosion, transport, deposition

question

Mass wasting occurs when gravity overcomes friction.

answer

true

question

The term "periglacial" refers to

answer

A) cold-climate processes along the margins of glaciers.

question

The most active tectonic regions of North and South America are on the

answer

western coast

question

A single groin can produce both sand erosion and deposition.

answer

true

question

The suspended load of a stream consists of particles that are

answer

held aloft in the stream flow

question

Natural levees are created during

answer

floods

question

As regards wetlands, which of the following is correctly matched? A) mangrove swamps poleward of the 30th parallel in either hemisphere B) salt marsh between the equator and the 30th parallel in both hemispheres C) salt marsh poleward of the 30th parallel in either hemisphere D) salt marshes low productivity due to the salinity

answer

C) salt marsh poleward of the 30th parallel in either hemisphere

question

The undulating form that gives Earth's surface its character and general configuration is called

answer

topography

question

The opposite of the accumulation zone in a glacier is the

answer

ablation zone

question

Which of the following is matched correctly? A) magma lava B) granite metamorphic C) basalt sedimentary D) sandstone igneous

answer

magma-lava

question

A floodplain consists of alluvium.

answer

true

question

Wave action works to straighten a coast as wave energy focuses around headlands and tends to disperse energy in coves and bays in a process called

answer

wave refraction

question

Normal faults are associated with

answer

tensional

question

The angle of repose of snow avalanche slopes is typically higher than that for soil or rock.

answer

true

question

) In most areas, the upper surface of bedrock is partially weathered to broken-up rock called

answer

regolith

question

Unlike a stream-cut valley that assumes a characteristic ________-shape, a glacially-carved valley evidences a characteristic ________-shape

answer

V; U

question

The dynamic equilibrium model of landscape evolution emphasizes a balance among forces, form and processrather than cyclical stages of development.

answer

true

question

Which of the following is endogenic in nature? A) glacial erosion B) volcanism C) weathering D) stream deposition

answer

volcanism

question

a circumstance in which performing an action causes more performances of the action.

answer

positive feedback

question

data that paleoclimatologists gather from natural recorders of climate variability, e.g., tree rings, ice cores, fossil pollen, ocean sediments, coral and historical data

answer

proxy data

question

is the power per unit area produced by the Sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Irradiance may be measured in space or at the Earth's surface after atmospheric absorption and scattering.

answer

solar irradiance

question

oxygen isotopes

answer

~extremely important in deciphering past climates ~evaporation and condensation influence the ration of heavy oxygen to light oxygen in oceans *water molecules with lighter oxygen tend to evaporate easier *water molecules with heavier oxygen condense easier ~oxygen ratios found in water trapped in glaciers and water in marine plants and animals' shells are used to predict the past temperature

question

his recording of carbon dioxide at the Mauna Loa Observatory first alerted the world to possible anthropogenic (human impacted) contribution to the Greenhouse Effect and global warming

answer

charles keeling

question

what does the keeling curve measure?

answer

measures the progressive buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

question

radiative forcing

answer

the measurements of the capacity of a gas or other forcing agents to affect that energy balance, thereby contributing to climate change. Put more simply, RF expresses the change in energy in the atmosphere due to GHG emissions. ~the difference of insolation absorbed by the Earth and energy radiated back into space ~quantified at the tropopause in watts per square meter ~(+) forcing warms the system (more incoming) ~(-) forcing cools the system (more outgoing) ~causes: changes in isolation and the concentrations of radiatively active gases (GHG and aerosols)

question

the outflow of the thick, deep layer of water (high salinity and oxygen and CFCs)

answer

north atlantic deep water (NADW)

question

the flow of warm surface waters from the Southern Hemisphere into the North Atlantic water is modified through evaporation and mixing; increase of salinity the water cools and sinks (because decreased temperature and increased salinity) increased density *

answer

thermohaline circulation

question

thermohaline is essential to what all over the world?

answer

essential to the transportation of large amounts of water, heat, salt, carbon, nutrients, and other substances all over the world

question

the instrumental temperature record shows fluctuations of the temperature of earth's climate system. Initially the instrumental temperature record only documented land and sea surface temperature, but in recent decades instruments have also begun recording ocean temperature.

answer

instrumental record

question

the amount of radiation reflected off of a surface

answer

albedo

question

earth's average albedo?

answer

.31 - 1/3 of incoming radiation is relfected

question

the lack of ice does what to albedo?

answer

-decrease albedo - in turn, increase overall temperature

question

the science that studies past climates and uses a number of proxies to determine them

answer

paleoclimatology

question

a fly that is a insect that is sensitive to temperature and you can use it to estimate past temperature

answer

chironomids

question

milutin milankovitch

answer

astronomer and mathematician

question

milankovitch theory

answer

- made links between orbital theory and forcing - collaborated with geographers

question

three cycles of milankovitch theory

answer

- Eccentricity (orbit) - 100,000 year cycle - Obliquity (tilt)- 41,000 year cycle - Procession of Equinoxes (axis orientation)- 27,000 year cycle

question

last glacial maximum pleistocene

answer

- two pulses: 115,000 years ago and 75,000 years ago - Major sea level decrease - Land bridge between Siberia and Alaska - Ended about 15,000 years ago

question

a spot or patch appearing from time to time on the sun's surface, appearing dark by contrast with its surroundings

answer

sunspot

question

sunspots occur?

answer

ever 7-17 years

question

how are sunspots caused?

answer

caused by magnetic storms on the sun and can range in diameter from 10,000km-50,000km or up to 160,000km (12x the Earth)

question

The first to discover the fact that glaciers had expanded in the past and is associated with understanding how alpine glaciation occurred

answer

Louis Agassiz

question

a circumstance in which performing an action causes fewer performances of the action. ~surface temperature increases slightly increased ocean evaporation more low clouds in the atmosphere reflects more sunlight surface temperature decreases slightly12

answer

negative feedback

question

- largest of the climatic oscillations that characterized the late- Pleistocene - A period of dramatic cooling that occurred between- 13,000 and 11,800 years before present (bp) - Return to near glacial conditions in the North Atlantic region; impacts documented globally - Evidence suggests rapid onset and abrupt ending - Nature and magnitude of event still poorly understood in Southern Hemisphere

answer

younger dryas

question

- largest of the climatic oscillations that characterized the late- Pleistocene - A period of dramatic cooling that occurred between- 13,000 and 11,800 years before present (bp) - Return to near glacial conditions in the North Atlantic region; impacts documented globally - Evidence suggests rapid onset and abrupt ending - Nature and magnitude of event still poorly understood in Southern Hemisphere

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younger dryas

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science of determining past climates from trees (primarily properties of the annual tree rings). Tree rings are wider when conditions favor growth, narrower when times are difficult.

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dendroclimatology

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the principle or assumption that the same natural laws and processes that operate in the universe now have always operated in the universe in the past and apply everywhere in the universe

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uniformitarianism

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the last period in the Earth's climate history during the last glacial period when ice sheets were at their greatest extension. Growth of the ice sheets reached their maximum positions 26,500 years ago.

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last glacial maximum (LGM)

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a period of cooling that occurred after the Medieval Warm Period (Medieval Climate Optimum).

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little ice age

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greenhouse gases

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Carbon dioxide and water vapor are the principal radiatively active gases causing earth's natural greenhouse effect. radiatively active gases include atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, Chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor, which absorb and radiate longwave energy

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a core sample that is typically removed from an ice sheet, most commonly from the polar ice caps of Antarctica, Greenland or from high mountain glaciers elsewhere.

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ice cores

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warmest year

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2014 was Earth's warmest year on record; December 2014 record warm; Global oceans also record warm for 2014.

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a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

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climate change

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global temperature

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temperature of the earth's entire surface atmosphere

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what is the concentration of CO2?

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400 ppm

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global climate change

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E. all of these are true

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when did the last glacial maximum occur?

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occurred approximately 20,000 years ago

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what was the year with the highest surface temperature?

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2014

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what is the present atmosphere methane concentration, concentration of methane in the atmosphere?

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1800 ppm

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what is a coronamans?

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a fly that is a insect that is sensitive to temperature and you can use it to estimate past temperature.

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what is a coronamans?

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a fly that is a insect that is sensitive to temperature and you can use it to estimate past temperature.

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what is dendroclimatology?

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using tree rings to measure past climates

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what is the primary anthropogenic source of climate change?

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burning of fossil fuels

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who is lewis agassiz?

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the first to discover the fact that glaciers had expanded in the past and is associated with understanding how alpine glaciation occurred

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greenhouse gases

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Carbon dioxide and water vapor are the principal radiatively active gases causing earth's natural greenhouse effect. radiatively active gases include atmospheric gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, Chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor, which absorb and radiate longwave energy

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An area of high pressure circulates counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and is called an anticyclone

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false

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Ocean currents play a relatively small role in regulating climate.

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false

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Winds are named for the direction in which they are blowing

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false

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) On Earth between 30° north latitude and the equator, winds flow from the __________ as they flow out of the __________ pressure zone toward the ITCZ.

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C) NE; subtropical high

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Land-sea breezes are caused by

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D) onshore (toward the land) air flows that develop in the afternoon.

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Which of the following is incorrect regarding the subpolar low-pressure cells?

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A) In the Northern Hemisphere, they are generally stronger in summer than in winter.

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The effect of the Coriolis force is __________ in the upper atmosphere because __________.

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E) enhanced; there is less friction

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Particles produced by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo __________ the albedo of the atmosphere, and this __________ Earth.

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) increased; cooled

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Which of the following is true of high pressure areas?

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B) Air descends and diverges within high pressure systems.

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Which is true of air flowing into low pressure center?

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) Air converges and descends.

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) The jet streams help control A) the movement of high and low pressure systems. B) the boundary between cold polar air to the north and warm air to the south. C) the movement of storms. D) all of the above. E) none of the abovejet streams do not affect surface weather phenomena.

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D) all of the above.

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The intertropical convergence zone is characterized by

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A) convergence and uplift of warm surface air.

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The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is associated with

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the equatorial low-pressure trough

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The normal range for air pressure at sea level is

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C) 980-1050 mb.

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The highest surface air pressure ever recorded occurred when the air was

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D) very cold.

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The polar jet is closely associated with

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C) polar front

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) Which of the following primary pressure areas are produced by thermal factors, rather than dynamic factors? A) equatorial low and Bermuda high B) subtropical high and subpolar low C) equatorial low and polar high D) Aleutian low and Icelandic low

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C) equatorial low and polar high

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Monsoonal winds are

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) regional wind systems that seasonally vary.

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The mercury barometer (consisting of mercury in a tube, sealed at one end and open at the other, and inserted in a vessel of mercury), was invented by

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Evangelista Torricelli.

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Normal sea level pressure has a value of

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1013.2 millibars.

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The Coriolis force A) decreases with height above the surface. B) drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure. C) is the only force acting on flows of air in the upper troposphere. D) causes the apparent deflection of winds from a straight path.

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D) causes the apparent deflection of winds from a straight path.

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Which of the following are correctly matched? A) cyclones low pressure cells B) high pressure ascending, converging air movements C) anticyclones subpolar pressure cells D) high pressure cells cyclonic circulation

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A) cyclones low pressure cells

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A isoline of equal pressure plotted on a weather map is known as

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an isobar

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) Forceful northward flowing warm currents in the Northern Hemisphere are the

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Gulf Stream and Kuroshio.

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Which instrument would you use to measure wind speed?

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A) an anemometer.

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On a weather map of air pressure, what can you infer from a closer spacing of isobars?

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D) a steep pressure gradient creating a faster flow of air

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If you were between 40° and 50° north latitude, and you wanted to stand with the average winds blowing in your face you would stand facing

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west

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air flow is initiated by the

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pressure gradient force

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Scientific study of the Earth's climate during the past.

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Paleoclimatology

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Change in the state of a system that enhances the measured effect of the initial alteration.

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positive feedback

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Data that measures the cause and effect relationship between two variables indirectly

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proxy data

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Dark colored region on the Sun that represents an area of cooler temperatures and extremely high magnetic fields

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Sunspot

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• Processes that either amplify or reduce climatic trends, toward either warming or cooling

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Climate Feedbacks

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• In 1953, he began collecting detailed measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide in Cali and later Hawaii.

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Charles Keeling

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• In Hawaii, he produced the single most important environmental data set of the 20th century

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Charles Keeling

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a graph of monthly average CO2 concentrations

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• Keeling Curve

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• The amount by which some perturbation causes Earth's energy balance to deviate from zero; a positive forcing indicates a warming condition, while a negative forcing indicates cooling

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Radiative forcing

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Weather is

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atmospheric conditions over short periods of time

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Paleoclimatologists use materials that have retained a unique signature of ancient climatic conditions. These materials are known as

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proxies

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The roundeness of the Earth's orbit is known as

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eccentricity

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The most important greenhouse gas also occurs in one of the smallest quantities. This greenhouse gas is

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water vapor

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The balance between the amount of energy entering and exiting the Earth system is known as

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radiative balance

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The average atmospheric conditions in a region over a long period of time is known as

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climate

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The lowermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, the one in which humans live, is known as the

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troposphere

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The Earth's primary source of energy is the

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Sun

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Small particles suspended in the Earth's atmosphere are known as

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aerosols

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The long-term storage of carbon dioxide in the Earth's surface is known as

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sequestration

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The primary method by which the Earth gets rid of energy is known as

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long-wave radiation

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The Earth's ozone layer is located near the top of the

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stratosphere

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The most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere is

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nitrogen

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Theincrease in volume, or equivalently the decrease in density, that results from increased ocean temperature is known as

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thermal expansion

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The combination of eccentricity, obliquity, and precession dictates the input and distribution of solar radiation on the planet and is a major driver of the Earth's cliimate on extremely long time scales. This is known as

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the Milankovitch Theory

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The wobble of the Earth's axis is known as

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precession

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The tilt of the Earth's axis is known as

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obliquity

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What will happen to a negative mass balance glacier?

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It will recede

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How can one divide the period of the last ice-age?

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Short warm episodes; long cold periods

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Predict what is presently happening to the mass balance of glaciers in the northern hemisphere.

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Decreasing

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How and why do temperatures change from low latitude to high latitudes?

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Temperature decreases because insolation decreases.

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When was the Younger Dryas period?

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About 12,000 years ago

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Which Milankovitch cycle lasts about 100,000 years?

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Orbital eccentricity

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Which of the following represents a proxy record of long-term climate change?

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Oxygen isotopes

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