Question

The U.S. Weather Bureau has a station on Mauna Loa in Hawaii that has measured carbon dioxide levels since 1959. At that time, there were 323 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In 2005, the figure was 389 parts per million. Find the increase in carbon dioxide levels and the percent of increase.

a) Increase carbon dioxide levels: 66 (parts per million), Percent increase: 20%
b) Increase carbon dioxide levels: 389 (parts per million), Percent increase: 66%
c) Increase carbon dioxide levels: 66 (parts per million), Percent increase: 389%
d) Increase carbon dioxide levels: 323 (parts per million), Percent increase: 66%

Answer 1

The increase in carbon dioxide levels from 1959 to 2005 was 66 parts per million, which represents approximately a 20% increase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The U.S. Weather Bureau station on Mauna Loa in Hawaii has tracked the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide since 1959. The increase in carbon dioxide levels from 1959, with 323 parts per million (ppm), to 2005, with 389 ppm, is calculated by subtracting the initial value from the final value, which equals 66 ppm (389 ppm - 323 ppm = 66 ppm). To determine the percent of increase, we use the formula: (Increase ÷ Original Value) × 100. Thus, the percent increase is ((66 ppm) ÷ (323 ppm)) × 100, which equals approximately 20.43%. Rounding to the nearest whole number gives us a 20% increase.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Increase carbon dioxide levels: 66 (parts per million), Percent increase: 20% (Option a).