Science Olympiad Science Word Practice Test

The term that describes the average increase in Earth's temperature due to human activities is "Global Warming." This phenomenon primarily results from the accumulation of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to a gradual rise in the Earth's temperature. This increase is largely associated with human activities, particularly from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

While "Climate Change" is a broader term that encompasses various changes in climate systems, including temperature increases, shifts in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, it is not specific to temperature alone. "Global Cooling" refers to a decrease in Earth's average temperature, which does not align with the current trend observed. The "Greenhouse Effect" describes the natural process by which greenhouse gases trap heat, but it does not specifically focus on the human-induced rise in temperature. Thus, "Global Warming" clearly identifies the phenomenon caused by human activities leading to an increase in Earth’s average temperature.