Question

Keeling began measuring tropospheric carbon dioxide concentrations at Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii in 1958. This is a remote location away from urban and industrial areas. If Keeling had instead established his CO2 monitoring station near a large coal-fired power plant then ________.

A) his measurements would be influenced by the amount of soot produced by the power plant
B) his measurements of CO2 levels would likely be much higher than in a place like Mauna Loa
C) his measurements of CO2 levels would likely be much lower than a place like Mauna Loa
D) the heat given off by the power plant would give him higher than expected readings
E) his measurements of CO2 levels would likely be about the same as a place like Mauna Loa

Answer 1

Establishing a CO₂ monitoring station near a large coal-fired power plant would likely result in higher CO₂ measurements compared to a remote location like Mauna Loa. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Establishing a CO₂ monitoring station near a large coal-fired power plant would likely result in higher CO₂ measurements compared to a remote location like Mauna Loa. This is because coal-fired power plants are major sources of carbon dioxide emissions, releasing large quantities of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Therefore, the measurements would be influenced by the higher levels of CO₂ emitted by the power plant. It is important to conduct CO₂ measurements in remote locations like Mauna Loa to minimize influences from local sources and accurately monitor atmospheric CO₂ levels.

Hence, Option B is correct.