IB Diploma Environmental Systems

1. Topic 6 – Atmospheric Systems and Societies
Draw and annotate a brief timeline to show changes to atmosphere over time
Outline why carbon dioxide levels have
varied over time
Outline why temperatures have varied
over time
TOK Link – Why are there different views on the role of
humans in current changes to the atmosphere and the
resultant global warming
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2. Draw a diagram to show the composition of the atmosphere
Topic 6
Which gases play a vital role in the weather and climate of our planet? Why?
Which gases are vital for plant growth? Why? Outline how atmospheric composition varies with altitude
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3. Draw a labelled diagram to show the layers of the atmosphere
Topic 6
Define the following terms:
Greenhouse gases:
Insolation:
Draw a labelled diagram to demonstrate the natural and enhances greenhouse effect
Outline the concept of equilibrium in relation to the atmosphere:
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4. Draw a labelled diagram to demonstrate what human activities
are altering the atmospheric composition and how.
Topic 6
Use a diagram to outline how clouds are formed
Annotate the diagram to describe the key features of different cloud types and their
role in the albedo effect
Define albedo effect:
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5. Topic 6 - ozone
Use a diagram to outline how the ozone is formed
What are ozone-depleting substances? Outline why are they are problem?
Define ozone:
Why is the ozone so important?
Effects of ozone depletion Summarise ways of reducing ozone depleting substances
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6. Outline the role of international organisation in reducing ODSs
Topic 6 - ozone
Outline the role of national organisation in reducing ODSs List new ODSs
Case study: Reducing ODSs
How effective do you feel international and national
organisations have been in reducing ODSs? Why?
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7. Define and give examples of the following:
Primary Pollutants:
Photochemical Smog:
Volatile organic compounds (VOC):
Tropospheric ozone:
Topic 6 - Smog
List the main sources of VOCs and Nitrogen Oxide
List pollutants that make up tropospheric smog:
Outline the role of sunlight in the formation of tropospheric ozone/photochemical smog
Outline why tropospheric smog is a problem
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8. Outline the social effects of tropospheric ozone
Topic 6 - Smog
Outline the environmental effects of tropospheric ozone
Outline the factors that influence the frequency and severity of smog
Outline the econimic effects of tropospheric ozone Define thermal inversion
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9. Outline how photochemical smog/tropospheric ozone
can be managed
Topic 6 – Smog
Management
Using examples outline why it is better to reduce emissions in the first place rather than try to
clean up after emittance of pollutants
Case Study: A Pollution Management Strategy
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10. Using an annotated diagram outline the formation of acid deposition
Topic 6 – Acid
Deposition
Define the following:
Dry deposition:
Wet deposition:
Acid rain:
Acidification:
Outline the distribution of acid deposition
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11. Using an annotated diagram outline the formation of acid deposition
Topic 6 – Acid
Deposition
Define the following:
Dry deposition:
Wet deposition:
Acid rain:
Acidification:
Map the distribution of acid deposition Direct effects of acid rain Indirect effects of acid rain
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12. Outline how acid deposition can be managed
Topic 6 – Acid
Rain Management
Why is acid deposition a transboundary issue?
Case Study: A Pollution Management Strategy
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13. Topic 6 – Exam Style Question
From IBDP ESS SAMs
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