Question

What was ideal about the location of Keeling's carbon dioxide (CO) detectors?

2. Why did the carbon dioxide levels rise and fall over the course of a year?
3. The "Keeling Curve" seemed to prove that:
4. If there was no greenhouse effect what would the average temperature of Earth be?
5. What is the new source of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere?
6. As humans continue to burn fossil fuels what will happen to global temperatures?
7. Venus has a high concentration of CO; in its atmosphere and temperatures on Venus are very
8. Mars has a very low concentration of CO; in its atmosphere and temperatures on Mars are very
9. Infrared radiation is another word for
radiation.
2
10. How many years does carbon dioxide stay in the atmosphere before it's absorbed by the oceans?
11. Ice core studies reveal that the Earth had more or less carbon dioxide levels in the past?
12. Why would coal and oil producers be alarmed or care that the use of fossil fuels is changing the climate? For this question I would like YOUR response considering economic issues for the fossil fuel industry and climate change.
13. Has the use of fossil fuels generally been beneficial to humankind up to this point in history?
14. How much will carbon dioxide levels grow in 50 years compared to pre-industrial revolution levels?
15: According to the narrator of the last film clip will enhanced plant growth of forests caused by additional CO permanently suck up the additional carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Answer 1

The Keeling Curve measures CO₂ at a remote location and proves rising levels due to human activities. Without the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be below freezing. The main new source of CO₂ is fossil fuels, contributing to climate change. Enhanced plant growth doesn't permanently absorb excess CO₂.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Greenhouse Effect and Atmospheric CO₂

The ideal location of Keeling's carbon dioxide detectors was Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, chosen for its remote location, far from significant vegetation and urban sources of CO₂, allowing for accurate background measurements of the gas. Over the course of a year, carbon dioxide levels rise and fall due to seasonal changes in plant growth and decay, with higher levels in winter and lower in summer. The "Keeling Curve" has shown a continuous increase in atmospheric CO₂, proving that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are contributing to the rise in greenhouse gases.

Without the greenhouse effect, the average temperature of Earth would be substantially colder, likely below freezing, as greenhouse gases trap heat and warm the planet. The new source of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy production. As humans continue to burn fossil fuels, global temperatures are expected to rise, leading to climate change.

On Venus, the high concentration of CO₂ leads to extremely high temperatures due to its potent greenhouse effect. Conversely, Mars's low CO₂ concentrations contribute to colder temperatures. Infrared radiation is another term for heat radiation. Carbon dioxide can stay in the atmosphere for decades to centuries before it's absorbed by the oceans, typically averaging around a century.

Ice core studies have shown that Earth had lower atmospheric CO₂ levels in the past, in contrast to the current rising trend. Coal and oil producers might be alarmed by the use of fossil fuels changing the climate because it threatens the long-term viability of their industries and may lead to new regulations or a shift away from fossil fuel dependency. The use of fossil fuels has been beneficial to humankind by powering industrial growth and innovation, but it now poses significant challenges due to climate change.

In the next 50 years, carbon dioxide levels may grow significantly, potentially doubling pre-industrial revolution levels. According to the last film clip, enhanced plant growth in forests caused by additional CO₂ will not permanently absorb the excess carbon dioxide, as the carbon cycle is a dynamic process and other factors can release stored CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

Answer 2

Keeling's CO2 detectors were ideally located in Hawaii for accurate global measurements. The Keeling Curve shows rising CO2 levels due to fossil fuel burning, influencing global temperature rise and climate change. Higher atmospheric CO2 levels impact biodiversity and ocean pH, and while fossil fuel use historically benefited human development, it now poses a serious threat to global climate stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The location of Charles David Keeling's carbon dioxide detectors was ideal because they were placed at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, far from any sources of local CO2 pollution, providing a precise and representative measurement of global atmospheric CO2 levels. The carbon dioxide levels rise and fall annually due to seasonal variations in plant growth and decay, primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The Keeling Curve is a graphical representation showing the continuous increase in atmospheric CO2 levels, and it hints at human activity as the new source of carbon dioxide, particularly the burning of fossil fuels.

Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would have an average temperature much below the current conditions, making it less hospitable for life as we know it. The increase in CO2 from fossil fuel combustion is predicted to lead to a rise in global temperatures. Venus, with its high CO2 concentration, has very high temperatures, exemplifying an extreme greenhouse effect, while Mars's low CO2 concentration contributes to its very low temperatures. Infrared radiation is another term for heat radiation. It's noted that CO2 can stay in the atmosphere for many years before it is absorbed by oceans and other sinks.

Ice core studies have shown that carbon dioxide levels were lower in Earth's past. Fossil fuel producers have economic concerns regarding the climate change debate as a shift away from fossil fuels could negatively impact their industry. Historically, the use of fossil fuels has been beneficial to human development, but growing concerns about climate change and rising carbon dioxide levels pose significant challenges. Current projections suggest that if trends continue, carbon dioxide levels could be much higher compared to pre-industrial levels in 50 years.

Enhanced plant growth due to additional CO2 is unlikely to permanently absorb the excess carbon dioxide, as the capacity of forests to sequester carbon is limited and subject to various environmental pressures.