Question

Which of these are causes of long-term climate change? Check all that apply.

Earth’s orbit around the Sun
fossils
movement of continents
solar energy
volcanic activity

Answer 1

Check: Earth’s orbit around the Sun — Yes
Check: movement of continents — Yes
Check: solar energy — Yes
Check: volcanic activity — Yes
Not a cause: fossils — No

Brief why:
- Earth's orbit (Milankovitch cycles) changes solar distribution on timescales of 10^4–10^5 years, driving ice ages and long-term climate shifts.
- Movement of continents (plate tectonics) alters ocean currents, atmospheric circulation, mountain building and CO2 sources/sinks over millions of years.
- Solar energy/output changes (over long timescales) alter the planet’s energy balance and climate.
- Volcanic activity can cause short-term cooling (aerosols) and, over geologic time, warming via sustained CO2 emissions.
- Fossils (fossilized remains) themselves do not cause climate change (burning fossil fuels does release CO2 and affects climate).