(Lesson 7.05)
The table shows changes in carbon dioxide over a progression of 120 years.

Based on these trends, what future impact may carbon dioxide have on the hydrosphere?

Yearly Carbon Dioxide
Year CO₂ (parts per million)
1900 295.8
1930 307.2
1960 316.73
1990 350.99
2020 415.65

Question

(Lesson 7.05)
The table shows changes in carbon dioxide over a progression of 120 years.

Based on these trends, what future impact may carbon dioxide have on the hydrosphere?

Yearly Carbon Dioxide
Year	CO₂ (parts per million)
1900	295.8
1930	307.2
1960	316.73
1990	350.99
2020	415.65

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Rising atmospheric CO₂ intensifies the greenhouse effect, so increased CO₂ leads to greater heat retention and warming of the atmosphere and oceans.

1) Relevant concepts
- Greenhouse effect: CO₂ is a greenhouse gas that traps outgoing infrared radiation, raising global temperatures.
- Heat exchange: The atmosphere and hydrosphere exchange heat; warmer air transfers heat into ocean waters.
- Ocean responses: Warming causes thermal expansion, altered circulation, decreased dissolved oxygen, and ecological stress (e.g., coral bleaching). CO₂ also dissolves in seawater causing acidification, a separate chemical impact.

2) Step-by-step reasoning from the data
- The table shows CO₂ rising from 295.8 ppm (1900) to 415.65 ppm (2020).
- This is a clear upward trend and the increases accelerate in later decades, indicating continued growth in atmospheric CO₂ if the trend continues.
- More atmospheric CO₂ means a stronger greenhouse effect and higher global temperatures, which directly warms ocean waters over time.

3) Calculations / intermediate steps
- Total increase 1900 → 2020: 415.65 − 295.8 = 119.85 ppm over 120 years ≈ 0.999 ppm per year average.
- Decadal rates (approx.): 1900–1930: (307.2−295.8)=11.4/30 = 0.38 ppm/yr; 1930–1960: (316.73−307.2)=9.53/30 = 0.318 ppm/yr; 1960–1990: (350.99−316.73)=34.26/30 = 1.142 ppm/yr; 1990–2020: (415.65−350.99)=64.66/30 = 2.155 ppm/yr. These show acceleration, supporting expectation of further warming.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
- Increased and accelerating CO₂ concentrations trap more heat, and a large fraction of excess heat is absorbed by the oceans. Therefore, given the trend, oceans are likely to warm further in the future.

5) Why other potential choices would be incorrect (briefly)
- “Oceans may cool” contradicts the greenhouse effect and observed warming trends.
- “Ocean pH will increase (become less acidic)” is wrong because dissolving CO₂ lowers pH (acidification).
- “Sea levels will fall” is incorrect because warming causes thermal expansion and glacier melt, which raise sea level.

6) Conclusion / confirmation
The data and physical principles lead to the conclusion that oceans may warm even further. This matches the provided correct answer: Oceans may warm even further.

(Lesson 7.05) The table shows changes in carbon dioxide over a progression of 120 years. Based on these trends, what future impact may carbon dioxide have on the hydrosphere? Yearly Carbon Dioxide Year CO₂ (parts per million) 1900 295.8 1930 307.2 1960 316.73 1990 350.99 2020 415.65Single choice

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