A monitoring station high on a remote mountain, far from towns and factories, has recorded information about the atmosphere for many years. Two measurements...
Question 1 Report
A monitoring station high on a remote mountain, far from towns and factories, has recorded information about the atmosphere for many years. Two measurements taken at the station are the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the mean global temperature anomaly, which is the difference between the temperature in a given year and the average temperature in 1960. Both measurements have been recorded every year since 1960. The graph shows how these two quantities have changed over that time.
(a) State the carbon dioxide concentration recorded in the year 2000. [1]
(b) Using the graph, calculate the increase in carbon dioxide concentration between 1960 and 2020. [2]
(c) Describe the relationship between the carbon dioxide concentration and the temperature anomaly. [2]
(d) A student concluded that the rising carbon dioxide concentration has caused the rising temperature. Suggest why this graph alone does not prove that conclusion. [1]
(e) Suggest two possible consequences of a rising global temperature for living organisms. [2]
Answer Details
This question tests reading two lines from a graph, a subtraction, and the difference between correlation and cause.
(a) Carbon dioxide concentration in 2000 [1] Reading the solid carbon dioxide line at the year 2000 gives about 369 ppm.
(b) Increase in carbon dioxide, 1960 to 2020 [2] Subtract the 1960 value from the 2020 value: \( 414 - 317 = 97\ \text{ppm} \) (1 mark working, 1 mark answer). Accept values read consistently from the graph.
(c) Relationship between the two quantities [2] As the carbon dioxide concentration increases, the temperature anomaly increases (1); this is a positive correlation (1) - both lines rise together over time.
(d) Why the graph alone does not prove cause [1] A correlation does not prove causation; another factor could be responsible for the rising temperature, so the graph shows association only.
(e) Two consequences of rising global temperature [2] Any two, for example: melting of ice caps and rising sea levels flooding habitats; and changed distribution or migration of species, loss of biodiversity, or changed breeding patterns.
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