Causes Worksheet

Question 1

What are the three main ways the Earth’s orbit can change?

Answer 1

• Changes in shape (circular to elliptical)
• Axial tilt
• Wobbling of the axis

These changes affect how much solar energy the Earth receives, influencing temperature.

Question 2

How do orbital changes affect the Earth’s temperature?

Answer 2

They affect the amount of solar energy received, leading to warming or cooling

More energy results in warming, while less energy results in cooling.

Question 3

Why do scientists think orbital changes help explain ice ages?

Answer 3

They influence the distribution of solar energy over long periods

This helps account for the cycles of ice ages and warmer periods.

Question 4

How can volcanic eruptions make the Earth cooler?

Answer 4

They release ash and gases that block sunlight

This can cause temporary cooling of the Earth’s surface.

Question 5

Why do scientists say volcanoes cause short-term climate change, not long-term?

Answer 5

Volcanic eruptions have temporary effects on temperature

They can cool the Earth for a few years but do not cause lasting climate change.

Question 6

Give one example of a volcanic eruption that affected the climate.

Answer 6

Mount Pinatubo in 1991

Its eruption led to a global temperature drop of around 0.5°C.

Question 7

How often does the Sun’s energy output change?

Answer 7

In cycles that last about 11 years

These cycles can sometimes extend over much longer periods.

Question 8

What happens to Earth’s temperature when solar output is lower?

Answer 8

The Earth can become cooler

However, these changes are relatively small compared to human activities.

Question 9

Why does solar output not have a big effect compared to human causes?

Answer 9

Changes in solar energy are quite small

Human activities have a more significant impact on climate change.

Question 10

Which fuels are classed as fossil fuels?

Answer 10

• Coal
• Oil
• Gas

These fuels are burned to produce energy and release greenhouse gases.

Question 11

What gas is released when fossil fuels are burned?

Answer 11

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

CO₂ is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Question 12

How does carbon dioxide contribute to global warming?

Answer 12

It traps heat in the atmosphere

This leads to an increase in global temperatures.

Question 13

Which greenhouse gas is released by farming?

Answer 13

Methane

Methane is produced during digestion in cows and in flooded rice paddies.

Question 14

Name two farming activities that release methane.

Answer 14

• Cows digesting food
• Flooded rice paddies

Both activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 15

Why is methane especially harmful for the climate?

Answer 15

It is stronger at trapping heat than carbon dioxide

This makes it a potent greenhouse gas.

Question 16

How do trees normally help to reduce CO₂ levels?

Answer 16

They absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis

This process helps regulate atmospheric carbon levels.

Question 17

What happens when trees are cut down or burned?

Answer 17

They stop absorbing CO₂ and release it back into the air

This contributes to increased atmospheric carbon levels.

Question 18

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Answer 18

It reduces CO₂ absorption and releases stored carbon

Large-scale deforestation adds to global warming.

Question 19

Which do you think has a bigger impact on climate change — natural or human causes?

Answer 19

Human causes

Evidence shows that human activities significantly contribute to climate change.