Practice 6.1 Introduction to the atmosphere with authentic IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS - Old) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2 structure, covering key topics like ecosystems, human impact, and sustainability. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SL & HLPaper 2
Source: https://www.scientificpsychic.com/etc/timeline/atmosphere-composition.html
1.[1]
Refer to the figure. State the one of the most abundant gases in the atmosphere about 4.3 billion years ago.
2.[1]
State the one of the most abundant gases in the atmosphere over the past 1 billion years.
3.[2]
With reference to Figure 1, identify two greenhouse gases.
4.[2]
Distinguish between the natural greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
5.[2]
Identify two consequences of the enhanced greenhouse effect on the resilience of human societies.
Question 2
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Explain the process(es) where a species evolves over time to gain a higher tolerance to hotter climates or higher temperatures.
2.[9]
When addressing environmental issues, mitigation strategies can be seen as ecocentric and adaptation strategies as technocentric.
With reference to named strategies addressing global warming, to what extent is this view valid?
Question 3
SL & HLPaper 2
The table shows an estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cows and cars in the UK in 2015.
Table 1.
| Estimated numbers | Average emissions | Total emissions (kg/year) | Global warming potential (GWP) | Overall effect (Total emissions × GWP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 million cows | 100 kg of methane/cow/year | 350 million | Methane = 23 | 8.05 billion |
| 35 million cars | 5,450 kg of carbon dioxide/car/year | 190.75 billion | Carbon dioxide = 1 | 190.75 billion |
- Methane is a more powerful GHG than carbon dioxide by a factor of 23. This means that 1 kg of methane would absorb 23 times more heat than 1 kg of carbon dioxide. (Source: 2015 UK GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, FINAL FIGURES, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, © Crown copyright 2017)
1.[2]
List two greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide and methane.
2.[3]
Refering to Table 1, discuss the relative impact of cows and cars on global warming.
3.[3]
Evaluate a strategy that could be used to reduce humans' reliance on cars.
4.[2]
Explain what is the effect of these greenhouse gases in the stratosphere.
Question 4
HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline four reasons for the baseline study in an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment).
2.[7]
Explain why renewable energies may not be sustainable and may not allow for environmental justice for all.
3.[9]
To what extent are energy sources impacted by anthropogenic (human-caused) changes to the atmosphere, and how may this influence energy security?
Question 5
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
With reference to processes occurring within the atmospheric system, identify two transformations of matter.
2.[2]
Identify two transfers of energy, with reference to processes in the atmospheric system.
3.[7]
Examine how regional differences in the hydrological cycle influence the formation of different biomes.
4.[9]
Climate can influence, and be influenced by, terrestrial food production systems.
To what extent can terrestrial food production strategies contribute to a sustainable equilibrium in this relationship?
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 1
Figure 1 illustrates the process of carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a strategy for managing climate change. Carbon dioxide is injected into three distinct underground locations for storage.
- Flow 1: is injected into an underground saline reservoir for long-term storage.
- Flow 2: is injected into an oil reservoir, displacing oil and enabling its extraction.
- Flow 3: is injected into a coal seam, replacing methane , which is then extracted as a usable resource.
Figure 1: Carbon capture and storage flow chart
1.[1]
Outline the evidence that acts as a greenhouse gas.
2.[1]
State a greenhouse gas other than .
3.[2]
Identify two mitigation strategies to manage climate change, other than carbon capture and storage.
4.[2]
Outline how the mitigation strategy shown in Figure 1 is different to an adaptation strategy for managing climate change.
Question 7
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline the role of the atmospheric system in the distribution of biomes.
2.[7]
Discuss how human impacts on the atmosphere can terrestrial biome productivity.
3.[9]
To what extent is the need for conservation more significant in tropical biomes?
Question 8
HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline the role of atmospheric circulation in the distribution of heat around the globe.
2.[7]
Using named examples, explain how feedback loops can lead to tipping points in relation to global warming.
3.[9]
To what extent do all countries have the same responsibility in dealing with atmospheric pollution issues?
Question 9
SLPaper 2
1.[9]
Examine whether biodiversity loss or climate change is a greater threat to human societies.
2.[7]
Compare and contrast the adaptation strategies to climate change for two societies.
Question 10
HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline one example of a strategy for energy conservation and one example of a strategy for energy efficiency.
2.[7]
Explain how the interaction between the composition of the atmosphere and life on Earth influences evolution.
3.[9]
Using named examples, discuss how political, environmental, geographic, and economic factors influence societies when switching to low-carbon technologies.