Question

How is an increase in carbon in the atmosphere likely to affect coastal areas such as those in North Carolina?

A. It is likely to cause a decrease in flooding.

B. It is likely to cause an increase in plant growth.

C. It is likely to cause a decrease in pollution.

D. It is likely to cause an increase in erosion.

Answer 1

Option (D)

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount of Carbon dioxide (CO₂) that is trapped in the atmosphere is released by the burning of the fossil fuels and from the industrial pollution. In addition to this, some amount of it also released by the animals and human beings. This stored CO₂ in the atmosphere is then transported to the oceans with the help of rainfall. When this CO₂ reacts with water it forms weaker acid, which is commonly known as the Carbonic acid. Due to this, the pH level of ocean water decreases. As a result of this, it affects the ocean water chemistry and the marine life.

Due to this ocean acidification, the marine species namely the corals and various types of planktons are not able to form the hard parts like the shell and skeletal parts. This carbonate water dissolves the existing shells and erodes the particles away.

The increase in the carbon content in the atmosphere will also lead to precipitation that will wash away the rock particles and other sediments, that are present in the coastal areas. In addition to this, the plants also will be affected due to this carbon containing water.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Answer 2

D. It is likely to cause an increase in erosion.

Step-by-step explanation:

An increase in carbon in the atmosphere is most likely to cause coastal erosion. Coastal erosion is the washing away of the shore as result of waves and storms breaking into them.

When the level of atmospheric carbon increases, more radiation is trapped within earth and this leads to the phenomenon of global warming. As the earth warms, polar ice melts and ocean level rises. More water in the ocean would lead to flooding and generation of disturbances in the ocean. This high volume of water would easily wear and wash away the shores.