CAP Environmental Science Fundamentals 2

Question 1

Which biogeochemical cycle is most directly disrupted by the combustion of fossil fuels?

Accepted Answer

Carbon cycle

Answer

Fossil fuel combustion releases carbon stored underground back into the atmosphere, directly disrupting the natural carbon cycle.

Question 2

What term describes the ability of Earth's surface and atmosphere to absorb and re-emit thermal radiation?

Accepted Answer

Greenhouse effect

Answer

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the lower atmosphere by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation.

Question 3

Which ocean process absorbs approximately 25-30% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions annually?

Accepted Answer

Air-sea gas exchange

Answer

Air-sea gas exchange (physical solubility pump) drives CO₂ dissolution from the atmosphere into ocean surface waters, accounting for roughly 25-30% of annual anthropogenic CO₂ uptake.

Question 4

In the context of climate science, what does 'radiative forcing' measure?

Accepted Answer

The change in energy flux caused by a climate driver

Answer

Radiative forcing measures the change in energy flux (W/m²) in the atmosphere caused by natural or anthropogenic factors, indicating whether the climate will warm or cool.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a carbon 'sink'?

Accepted Answer

A reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases

Answer

A carbon sink is any reservoir — such as forests, soils, or oceans — that absorbs and stores more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases.

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

CAP Environmental Science Fundamentals 2