Which of the following sources should be examined in a study to determine the impact of a geologic source on levels of CO2 in the atmosphere?

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Prepare for the AP Environmental Science Exam. Study with quizzes and multiple choice questions covering atmospheric pollution. Each question offers helpful hints and detailed explanations to boost your knowledge and confidence. Tackle the exam with assuredness!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sources should be examined in a study to determine the impact of a geologic source on levels of CO2 in the atmosphere?

Explanation:
The key idea is identifying sources of CO2 that come from the Earth’s interior versus those from biological or oceanic processes. A geologic source releases CO2 from inside the Earth, not from living organisms or surface processes. Volcanoes fit this geologic category because they vent CO2 that originates in the mantle and crust. This degassing occurs both during eruptions and as ongoing volcanic outgassing, adding CO2 directly to the atmosphere independent of photosynthesis or respiration. The other options involve biological or oceanic processes. Oceans exchange CO2 with the atmosphere and can act as a reservoir or sink depending on conditions, but they are not geologic sources. Forests and soil respiration involve carbon released by living organisms and decomposers, again not geologic in origin. So, to study a geologic contribution to atmospheric CO2, examining volcanic activity is the appropriate focus.

The key idea is identifying sources of CO2 that come from the Earth’s interior versus those from biological or oceanic processes. A geologic source releases CO2 from inside the Earth, not from living organisms or surface processes.

Volcanoes fit this geologic category because they vent CO2 that originates in the mantle and crust. This degassing occurs both during eruptions and as ongoing volcanic outgassing, adding CO2 directly to the atmosphere independent of photosynthesis or respiration.

The other options involve biological or oceanic processes. Oceans exchange CO2 with the atmosphere and can act as a reservoir or sink depending on conditions, but they are not geologic sources. Forests and soil respiration involve carbon released by living organisms and decomposers, again not geologic in origin.

So, to study a geologic contribution to atmospheric CO2, examining volcanic activity is the appropriate focus.

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