Climate change — evidence & causes
AQA GCSE Geography revision on Climate change — evidence & causes. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Geography 8035 specification. This bank has 10 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 10)
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Question 1
Which of these is a greenhouse gas primarily released by the digestive processes of livestock?
- A) Carbon dioxide
- B) Methane
- C) Nitrous oxide
- D) CFCs
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Answer: Methane
Methane is released during enteric fermentation in ruminant animals like cattle and sheep. Although it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide, it is significantly more effective at trapping heat, making it a potent greenhouse gas.
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Question 2
What is the name of the cold period that occurred between 1645 and 1715, characterised by very low sunspot activity?
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Answer: Maunder Minimum
Solar activity fluctuates over time, and the Maunder Minimum refers to a specific period where sunspot counts were exceptionally low. This reduction in solar energy reaching the Earth is often cited as a natural cause of historical climate variability, sometimes referred to as the Little Ice Age.
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Question 3
Which natural phenomenon causes short-term cooling of the Earth by reflecting sunlight with volcanic ash and sulphur dioxide?
- A) Solar flares
- B) Volcanic eruptions
- C) Orbital changes
- D) Ocean currents
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Answer: Volcanic eruptions
When large volcanoes erupt, they eject huge quantities of ash and sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere. These particles form a haze that reflects incoming solar radiation, leading to a temporary decrease in global surface temperatures.
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7 more questions on Climate change — evidence & causes — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Geography spec.