Senior Secondary (HKDSE) · Geography

Climate systems, greenhouse gases, feedback loops: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Climate systems, greenhouse gases, feedback loops.

10 questions27 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following greenhouse gases is predominantly released into the atmosphere from agricultural activities, specifically the cultivation of rice and the digestive processes of livestock?

Question 2

1 mark

Greenhouse gases vary significantly in their lifespan and potency. Which of the following best describes the difference in the primary sinks and atmospheric residence time between Methane ( $CH_4$ ) and Carbon Dioxide ( $CO_2$ )?

Question 3

1 mark

Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS) is a fundamental parameter used in climate modelling. What specific climate response does ECS quantify?

Question 4

1 mark

While carbon dioxide ( $CO_2$ ) is the most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas by total volume, which of the following synthetic gases typically possesses the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP) over a 100-year timescale?

Question 5

1 mark

How do scientists use ice cores to reconstruct past atmospheric carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) concentrations?

Question 6

2 marks

What is the primary role of naturally occurring greenhouse gases in maintaining Earth's temperature?

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Question 7

3 marks

Identify two primary natural processes that release significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to the Earth's natural greenhouse effect.

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Question 8

5 marks

Beyond water vapor and carbon dioxide, explain why nitrous oxide ($$\text{N}_2\text{O}$$) is considered a potent anthropogenic greenhouse gas, even though its atmospheric concentration is much lower than $$\text{CO}_2$$.

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Question 9

5 marks

The Earth's climate system is influenced by various factors, including the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

(a) Briefly explain the natural greenhouse effect and its importance for life on Earth. (1 mark)

(b) Identify two significant anthropogenic greenhouse gases (other than water vapor) and describe one major human activity that contributes to the increase of each gas in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. (2 marks)

(c) Explain one positive feedback loop in the climate system that can amplify global warming. (2 marks)

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Question 10

7 marks

The Earth's climate system is complex, and scientists use various lines of evidence to understand both past and present climate changes, as well as to project future trends.

(a) Beyond simply indicating a warming trend, explain how recent data from ocean heat content and glacial mass balance provide compelling evidence for an accelerating rate of global warming. (4 marks)

(b) Describe the positive feedback loop involving the melting of Arctic sea ice and planetary albedo. Discuss how this specific feedback mechanism introduces significant uncertainties in projecting future global temperature and regional climate patterns, even if anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions were to stabilize. (3 marks)

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