IB ESS HL 2.3.9 Ocean Carbon Exchange Question Bank

Explain exchange of carbon dioxide between atmosphere and ocean and its controls.

Exam points

identify the relevant store, flow or process
trace matter through the biogeochemical cycle
evaluate the ecological or climate consequence of the change

[Maximum number: 3]

Figure Carbon cycle

(a)

Using the data in Figure, calculate the net gain in carbon in the oceans in $10^{15} \mathrm{~g}$ .

[ 1 ]

(b)

Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of the oceans as a carbon sink.

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

[ 2 ]

Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of the oceans as a carbon sink.

Advantage:
oceans are large so absorb a lot of CO2 / increases primary productivity/photosynthesis / reduces global warming/climate change;

Disadvantage:
increasing $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ in oceans causes acidification / ocean acidification harms sensitive marine species/ecosystems like coral reefs;

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2.3.9—Ocean carbon exchange question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)