What could be the consequences of global climate change? A. Change in soil…
2023
What could be the consequences of global climate change?
A. Change in soil moisture content
B. Change in El Niño
C. More floods
D. More droughts
E. Change in ocean circulations
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Answer: D. A, B, C, D and E — CONCEPTClimate change affects the coupled atmosphere-ocean-land system. Added heat alters evaporation, precipitation patterns, ocean heat distribution and…
- A.
A, C and D only
- B.
A, B, D and E only
- C.
B, D and E only
- D.
A, B, C, D and E
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
CONCEPT
Climate change affects the coupled atmosphere-ocean-land system. Added heat alters evaporation, precipitation patterns, ocean heat distribution and atmospheric circulation, so its consequences can appear in both hydrology and large-scale circulation.
APPLICATION
Higher temperatures and altered rainfall change evaporation and therefore soil-moisture content.
Ocean warming and changed atmosphere-ocean coupling can alter El Niño behaviour.
A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapour, intensifying heavy rainfall and flood risk.
Shifts in rainfall and higher evaporation can intensify drought in vulnerable regions.
Uneven ocean warming and freshwater input can modify density gradients and ocean circulation.
CONTRAST
The set containing A, C and D covers land hydrology and precipitation extremes but omits atmosphere-ocean variability and ocean circulation.
The set containing A, B, D and E covers several land and ocean responses but omits increased flood risk.
The set containing B, D and E covers atmosphere-ocean variability and drought but omits soil-moisture change and increased flood risk.
CROSS-CHECK
The five statements span land water storage, atmosphere-ocean variability, wet extremes, dry extremes and ocean transport. Therefore A, B, C, D and E can all be consequences of global climate change.