CAP Environmental Science Fundamentals 4

Question 1

Which term describes the total stock of carbon stored in all living and dead organic matter in a forest ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Carbon stock

Answer

Carbon stock refers to the total quantity of carbon held in a reservoir (e.g., living trees, deadwood, litter, soil) at a given point in time, measured in tonnes of carbon.

Question 2

The 'water vapor feedback' in climate science refers to which process?

Accepted Answer

Rising temperatures increasing atmospheric water vapor, amplifying warming

Answer

As temperatures rise, more water evaporates into the atmosphere; since water vapor is itself a greenhouse gas, this further amplifies warming — the strongest positive climate feedback.

Question 3

Which soil type stores the most carbon per unit area globally?

Accepted Answer

Peatlands and organic soils (histosols)

Answer

Peatlands (histosols) store vast amounts of carbon because waterlogged, anaerobic conditions slow decomposition; though covering only 3% of land, they hold about 30% of all soil carbon.

Question 4

What is 'eutrophication' and why is it relevant to carbon auditing?

Accepted Answer

Excess nutrient runoff causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and release CO₂ and CH₄

Answer

Eutrophication from nitrogen/phosphorus runoff triggers algal blooms; when algae die and decompose, microbial activity consumes oxygen and releases CO₂ and CH₄, creating greenhouse gas sources in water bodies.

Question 5

In the context of the Paris Agreement, what is the significance of a 1.5°C versus 2°C warming target?

Accepted Answer

Limiting to 1.5°C significantly reduces risks of extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem loss compared to 2°C

Answer

IPCC reports show that limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C significantly reduces projected risks including coral reef die-offs, Arctic sea-ice loss, extreme heat events, and sea-level rise.

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

(CAP) Certified Carbon Auditing Professional Practice Test

CAP Environmental Science Fundamentals 4