The Rapid Warming Associated with the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM)

question 17

Multiple Choice

The rapid warming associated with the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) likely resulted from

• A) several massive volcanic eruptions.
• B) the sudden die off of photosynthetic organisms and associated increase in atmospheric CO₂.
• C) a sudden (geologically speaking) increase in atmospheric carbon.
• D) decreased surface albedo brought about by Paleocene afforestation.

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Definitions:

A Credit Rating

A measure used by creditors to determine the ability of a borrower to pay back debt.

Bond Prices

The market price at which a bond is traded, which can fluctuate based on interest rates and the bond’s credit rating among other factors.

The National Post

A Canadian English-language national newspaper.

Term Structure

Pertains to the connection between interest rates or yields on bonds and varying durations or maturities.