G I V E I T S O M E T H O U G H T
Refer to Figure 20.2 which illustrates various components of Earth’s
climate system. Boxes represent interactions or changes that occur
in the climate system. Select three boxes and provide an example of
an interaction or change associated with each. Explain how these
interactions may influence temperature.
Describe one way in which changes in the biosphere can cause
changes in the climate system. Next, suggest one way in which the
biosphere is affected by changes in some other part of the climate
system. Finally, indicate one way in which the biosphere records
changes in the climate system.
Recent volcanic events, such as the eruptions of EI Chichón and
Mt. Pinatubo, were associated with a drop in global temperatures.
During the Cretaceous Period, volcanic activity was associated with
global warming. Explain this apparent paradox.
Describe the greenhouse effect in your own words. Is the greenhouse effect synonymous with global warming? Explain.
4
3
2
1
Briefly explain the idea of a feedback mechanism. Next, use your
imagination to invent a situation that involves a feedback
mechanism—it does not have to relate to climate change, geology,
or anything scientific. Begin by describing the initial condition or
circumstance. Then describe any subsequent changes that take
place due to the feedback mechanism. Make sure to indicate
whether the feedback mechanism is positive or negative and why.
During a conversation, an acquaintance indicates that he is skeptical
about global warming. When you ask him why he feels that way, he
says, “The past couple of years in this area have been among the
coolest I can remember.” While you assure this person that it is useful to question scientific findings, you suggest to him that his reasoning in this case may be flawed. Use your understanding of the
definition of climate along with one or more graphs in the chapter
to persuade this person to reevaluate his reasoning.
6
5
523
Companion Website
Companion Website
www.mygeoscienceplace.com
The Essentials of Geology, 11e companion Website contains numerous multimedia resources accompanied by assessments
to aid in your study of the topics in this chapter. The use of this site's learning tools will help improve your understanding
of geology. Utilizing the access code that accompanies this text, visit www.mygeoscienceplace.com in order to:
• Review key chapter concepts.
• Read with links to the Pearson eText and to chapter-specific web resources.
• Visualize and comprehend challenging topics using the learning activities in GEODe: Essentials of Geology and the
Geoscience Animations Library.
• Test yourself with online quizzes.
Refer to Figure 20.2 which illustrates various components of Earth’s
climate system. Boxes represent interactions or changes that occur
in the climate system. Select three boxes and provide an example of
an interaction or change associated with each. Explain how these
interactions may influence temperature.
Describe one way in which changes in the biosphere can cause
changes in the climate system. Next, suggest one way in which the
biosphere is affected by changes in some other part of the climate
system. Finally, indicate one way in which the biosphere records
changes in the climate system.
Recent volcanic events, such as the eruptions of EI Chichón and
Mt. Pinatubo, were associated with a drop in global temperatures.
During the Cretaceous Period, volcanic activity was associated with
global warming. Explain this apparent paradox.
Describe the greenhouse effect in your own words. Is the greenhouse effect synonymous with global warming? Explain.
4
3
2
1
Briefly explain the idea of a feedback mechanism. Next, use your
imagination to invent a situation that involves a feedback
mechanism—it does not have to relate to climate change, geology,
or anything scientific. Begin by describing the initial condition or
circumstance. Then describe any subsequent changes that take
place due to the feedback mechanism. Make sure to indicate
whether the feedback mechanism is positive or negative and why.
During a conversation, an acquaintance indicates that he is skeptical
about global warming. When you ask him why he feels that way, he
says, “The past couple of years in this area have been among the
coolest I can remember.” While you assure this person that it is useful to question scientific findings, you suggest to him that his reasoning in this case may be flawed. Use your understanding of the
definition of climate along with one or more graphs in the chapter
to persuade this person to reevaluate his reasoning.
6
5
523
Companion Website
Companion Website
www.mygeoscienceplace.com
The Essentials of Geology, 11e companion Website contains numerous multimedia resources accompanied by assessments
to aid in your study of the topics in this chapter. The use of this site's learning tools will help improve your understanding
of geology. Utilizing the access code that accompanies this text, visit www.mygeoscienceplace.com in order to:
• Review key chapter concepts.
• Read with links to the Pearson eText and to chapter-specific web resources.
• Visualize and comprehend challenging topics using the learning activities in GEODe: Essentials of Geology and the
Geoscience Animations Library.
• Test yourself with online quizzes.