CAP Environmental Science Fundamentals 3

Question 1

Which greenhouse gas has the highest 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) among those commonly tracked in carbon inventories?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)

Answer

SF₆ has a 100-year GWP of approximately 23,500, far exceeding CO₂ (1), CH₄ (28-36), and N₂O (265-298).

Question 2

What is 'albedo' in the context of Earth's energy balance?

Accepted Answer

The reflectivity of a surface to incoming solar radiation

Answer

Albedo is the fraction of incoming solar radiation reflected by a surface; high-albedo surfaces (like ice) reflect more energy, while low-albedo surfaces (like oceans) absorb more.

Question 3

The concept of 'planetary boundaries' primarily helps scientists understand what?

Accepted Answer

Safe operating limits for Earth systems beyond which risks increase sharply

Answer

Planetary boundaries define the safe operating space for humanity by identifying Earth system thresholds; crossing them risks abrupt or irreversible environmental changes.

Question 4

Which process converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, supporting ecosystem productivity?

Accepted Answer

Biological nitrogen fixation

Answer

Biological nitrogen fixation by bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) converts inert N₂ gas into ammonia (NH₃), which plants can incorporate into amino acids and proteins.

Question 5

In ecosystem science, what does 'net primary productivity' (NPP) measure?

Accepted Answer

Carbon fixed by plants minus carbon lost through plant respiration

Answer

NPP represents the net carbon gain by vegetation — gross photosynthesis minus autotrophic (plant) respiration — and indicates how much carbon is available to the food web.

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

CAP Environmental Science Fundamentals 3