Why is it not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures? Consider concepts like the greenhouse effect when responding.

Select all that apply. More than one answer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.

The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.
The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.

The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.

5 answers

The following options explain why it is not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures, especially considering the greenhouse effect and human activities:

  1. The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

  2. Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

  3. The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.

The first option highlights the role of human activities and greenhouse gases, which is a primary driver of long-term global warming. The second mentions natural variations that can cause fluctuations in yearly temperatures, which may still align with a longer-term warming trend. The third acknowledges natural factors but clarifies that they are not the primary reason for the recent record highs.

Therefore, these answers collectively offer insight into the interplay between human-caused warming and natural variability, highlighting the context for the increasing surface temperatures observed in recent years.

Question 1: Match the term to the definition. Climate Change. Fossil Fuels. Global Warming. Greenhouse Effect. Methane. Nitrous Oxide. Increase in Earth's temperature due to human activity. Fuels made from the breakdown of plants and animals from eons ago. Warming effect of greenhouse gases. Increase in Earth's temperature due to human activity. Greenhouse gas released in agriculture, raising livestock, and landfills. Greenhouse gas released in synthetic fertilizers. Question 2: Why is it not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures? Consider concepts like the greenhouse effect when responding.
Select all that apply. More than one answer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.

The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.
The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.

The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures. Question 3: Why is it not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures? Consider concepts like the greenhouse effect when responding.
Select all that apply. More than one answer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.

The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.
The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.

The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures. Question 4: Why is it not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures? Consider concepts like the greenhouse effect when responding.
Select all that apply. More than one answer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.
Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.

The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.
The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.

The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.

Question 1: Match the term to the definition.

  1. Climate Change: Increase in Earth's temperature due to human activity.
  2. Fossil Fuels: Fuels made from the breakdown of plants and animals from eons ago.
  3. Global Warming: Increase in Earth's temperature due to human activity.
  4. Greenhouse Effect: Warming effect of greenhouse gases.
  5. Methane: Greenhouse gas released in agriculture, raising livestock, and landfills.
  6. Nitrous Oxide: Greenhouse gas released in synthetic fertilizers.

Question 2: Why is it not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures? Consider concepts like the greenhouse effect when responding. (Select all that apply)

  1. The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

  2. Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

  3. The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.


Summary of Selected Answers

From the responses selected in Question 2, the crucial points emphasize the human impact on warming (through greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion) as well as the role of natural variability in temperature variations.


You can use these answers to study concepts related to climate change, greenhouse gases, and the factors influencing surface temperatures. If you have more questions or need further explanations, feel free to ask!

Why is it not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row to have record-high surface temperatures? Consider concepts like the greenhouse effect when responding
(A) Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.
The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.
Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.
Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.
The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.

To respond to the question of why it is not surprising that 2016 was the third consecutive year to have record-high surface temperatures, we should focus on the interplay between human-induced climate change, natural variability, and the greenhouse effect. Here's a breakdown of the provided options:

  1. Cities can get hotter than rural areas because of buildings and roads trapping heat. This can make some years hotter in cities, but it doesn't mean the whole world is getting warmer.

    • Analysis: While true, this statement primarily addresses local effects of urban heat islands and does not directly relate to global temperature records. It is a valid observation but does not significantly contribute to understanding overall global warming trends.
  2. The air around Earth acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. When we burn fossil fuels like coal and gas, it adds more of these heat-trapping gases to the air. This extra heat makes Earth's surface warmer over time. So, it's not surprising that 2016 was the third year in a row with the hottest temperatures on record, because we're making the Earth warmer by adding more of these gases.

    • Analysis: This option highlights the greenhouse effect and the role of human activity in increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. It effectively explains why we are seeing a trend of rising global temperatures, making it a primary reason for the record-high temperatures.
  3. Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally because of things like big weather patterns (like El Niño) or changes in how much heat the sun gives off. These natural changes can also make some years hotter without it always meaning the climate is getting warmer overall.

    • Analysis: This statement acknowledges that natural variability plays a role in temperature fluctuations. While it explains why certain years can feel hotter, it does not contradict the overarching trend of global warming; instead, it adds context about variability alongside the long-term warming trend.
  4. Sometimes, weather patterns can make a year unusually hot or cold. This can happen without the whole planet getting warmer overall.

    • Analysis: Similar to the previous option, this focuses on the variability of weather patterns. While it does not detract from the global warming narrative, it emphasizes that short-term fluctuations can occur independently of longer-term climate trends.
  5. The sun's brightness changes naturally over time, which can affect Earth's temperature. This might explain why some years are hotter, but it's not the main reason for the recent record-high temperatures.

    • Analysis: This acknowledges that solar output can influence Earth's temperatures but emphasizes that the recent record highs are primarily due to factors other than solar variability. It serves to highlight that while natural factors exist, they are not the primary drivers in the context of recent record temperatures.

Conclusion

To summarize, the following options provide the strongest explanations for why 2016's record temperatures are not surprising:

  • The air around Earth acts like a blanket... (strong emphasis on human influence and the greenhouse effect).
  • Sometimes, Earth's temperature can change naturally... (acknowledges variability but does not contradict overall warming).
  • The sun's brightness changes naturally... (recognizes natural variability, indicating it is not a leading factor in recent warming).

The first response about cities, while accurate, is less relevant to the global context. The main takeaways focus on human-induced changes through greenhouse gas emissions and acknowledging natural variability.