Practice IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) Topic 6.4 Stratospheric Ozone with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 6.4 Stratospheric Ozone and mirrors Paper 1, 2 style where relevant.
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The figure shows the change in stratospheric ozone levels above Lauder, New Zealand, and associated UV radiation index
(Sources: © Author(s) 2022. Weber et al., Global total ozone recovery trends attributed to ozone-depleting substance (ODS) changes derived from five merged ozone datasets licensed under CC BY 4.0 © 1996-2024 MDPI. Trends of UV radiation in Antarctica. Atmosphere, 11(8), 795. by Bernhard, G., & Stierle, S. (2020).)
Describe the relationship between ozone levels and the UV radiation index.
State one man-made factor that affects ozone levels in the stratosphere.
Evaluate the role of the Montreal Protocol in the protection of stratospheric ozone.
The table below shows the average total column ozone levels (measured in Dobson Units, DU) at two different monitoring stations between 1970 and 2010.
| Year | Halley Bay, Antarctica (75°S) [DU] | Arosa, Switzerland (47°N) [DU] |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 300 | 335 |
| 1990 | 180 | 315 |
| 2010 | 144 | 310 |
Using the data provided for Halley Bay, calculate the percentage decrease in ozone levels between 1970 and 1990.
State one negative impact on terrestrial plant life caused by the increased levels of UV radiation resulting from ozone depletion.
Explain the chemical process by which halogenated organic gases, such as CFCs, deplete the stratospheric ozone layer.
Describe how the Montreal Protocol has acted as an effective international management strategy for protecting the ozone layer.
Compare the characteristics of point source pollution and non-point source pollution, providing a named example for each.
Using the pollution management model, evaluate strategies to manage the impact of non-biodegradable plastic waste in marine ecosystems.
“The success of pollution management is determined more by cultural and economic factors than by the availability of technological solutions.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Outline the role of stratospheric ozone in protecting life on Earth from UV radiation and describe how a steady-state ozone concentration is maintained in the stratosphere.
Explain how human activities can disrupt the natural steady state of stratospheric ozone and evaluate the effectiveness of one international response.
To what extent should the management of stratospheric ozone depletion be prioritised compared with other global atmospheric issues?
Outline four impacts of acid rain on the natural and urban environment.
Using named examples where relevant, distinguish between primary and secondary pollutants.
Evaluate how pollution management strategies may regulate, reduce, and repair the impact of sulphur dioxide on ecosystems.