CAP Climate Science & Atmospheric Systems 3

Question 1

Which of the following gases has the highest 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP100) among common industrial refrigerants?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)

Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) has a GWP100 of approximately 23,500, making it one of the most potent greenhouse gases used in electrical switchgear.

Question 2

What climate phenomenon is characterized by anomalous warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean?

Accepted Answer

El Niño

Answer

El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), during which warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific alter global weather patterns.

Question 3

The carbon cycle's 'biological pump' refers to which process?

Accepted Answer

Ocean phytoplankton fixing CO₂ that sinks as organic matter

Answer

The biological pump describes the process by which marine phytoplankton absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis, and when they die, transport organic carbon to the deep ocean.

Question 4

According to the IPCC AR6, which scenario (SSP) projects the highest warming by 2100?

Accepted Answer

SSP5-8.5

Answer

SSP5-8.5 represents a fossil-fuel intensive development pathway with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, projecting up to 4.4°C of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

Question 5

What is the approximate atmospheric lifetime of CO₂ that is most relevant for long-term climate commitments?

Accepted Answer

Centuries to millennia

Answer

While the 'effective' atmospheric lifetime of CO₂ is often cited as 50–100 years for policy purposes, about 20% of emitted CO₂ remains in the atmosphere for thousands of years.

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

CAP Climate Science & Atmospheric Systems 3