3. Examine Figure 25.9, which shows the parallel history of atmospheric CO2 leve

Question

3. Examine Figure 25.9, which shows the parallel history of atmospheric CO2 levels and surface temperature over the last 400,000 years based on measurements of air b trapped in glacial ice sheets in Antarctica. ntenglacialGc 240 220 18O 400,000 350.000 300,000 250.000 200,000 150.000 100,000 0,000 Present before present How are glacial events, CO2 concentration, and temperature correlated over the 400,000 year time span? Is CO2 output increasing or decreasing currently? How do we know the source of the CO2 in our atmosphere? (16pts)

Explanation / Answer

Earth’s climate has varied widely over its history, from ice ages characterised by large ice sheets covering many land areas, to warm periods with no ice at the poles. Several factors have affected past , including solar variability, volcanic activity and changes in the composition of the atmosphere. Data from Antarctic ice cores reveals an interesting story for the past 400,000 years. During this period, CO2 and temperatures are closely correlated, which means they rise and fall together. However, based on Antarctic ice core data, changes in CO2 follow changes in temperatures by about 600 to 1000 years, as illustrated in above figure. This has led some to conclude that CO2 simply cannot be responsible for current .

Based on the above figure some observation is observed for Co2 - Temperature relationship.

By looking at the graph, the Co2 output is increasing currently.

Natural CO2 sources account for the majority of CO2 released into the atmosphere. Oceans provide the greatest annual amount of CO2 of any natural or anthropogenic source. Other sources of natural CO2 include animal and plant respiration, decomposition of organic matter, forest fires, and emissions from volcanic eruptions. There are also naturally occurring CO2 deposits found in rock layers within the Earth’s crust that could serve as CO2 sources.

Anthropogenic CO2 sources are part of our everyday activities and include those from power generation, transportation, industrial sources, chemical production, petroleum production, and agricultural practices. Many of these source types burn fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), which are the leading cause of CO2 emissions

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