IB ESS HL 4.1.7 Hl Water Properties Questions
Apply polarity, heat capacity, solvent properties and density to water-system behaviour.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify the roles of water in photosynthesis, dissolution, habitat provision, biochemical reactions, plant support and heat transfer
- explain how high heat capacity, evaporation, condensation and ocean currents allow water to regulate global temperature
- link water properties and hydrological processes to ecosystem functioning and global climate regulation
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IB ESS HL 4.1.7 Hl Water Properties Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Outline the role of water in regulating global average temperature.
Water bodies absorb solar energy in larger quantities (than land ...high heat specific capacity/low albedo);
b. Evaporation absorbs heat (negative latent heat flux);
c. ...and vapour carries (via convection currents/tropical cyclones) heat to higher latitudes...;
d. ...condensation of vapour into clouds releases heat (positive latent heat flux) to colder latitudes (thus stabilizing/regulating the heat deficit between Tropics and Poles);
e. ocean currents transfer excessive heat from Equator to Poles / cold current move to opposite direction cooling areas;
f. water bodies act as carbon sinks / absorb CO2, thus reducing global warming;
g. Water vapour is a greenhouse gas increasing global temperature;
h. Ice/snow/(white) clouds have higher albedo/reflect more insolation (than land), thus reducing global temperatures;
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