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Week 6 – Application Exercise Answers

Question 1

Even though the amount of energy emitted from the surface is more than double the amount received from the sun, Earth does not cool rapidly. The surface of Earth absorbs a large amount of energy from the atmosphere. The presence of greenhouse gas will also trap radiation within the atmosphere, resulting in higher temperatures in the atmosphere. Hence, inhibiting the rapid cooling of the Earth.


Question 2

The statement is incorrect. The sea levels are still rising even in the polar climates, for example, in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
The observation is too narrow to explain the global phenomenon. While the said cartoon could apply to that specific region/zone, the effects of global warming is still omnipresent and continues to affect the other parts of the world.
As illustrated in the cartoon, the water levels are still rising, yet Pepper and Salt are oblivious and choose to ignore the warning signs of global warming.


Question 3

The use of microwave radar devices during WWII was not a feasible idea. Water in the atmosphere would absorb the microwave radiation which triggers the rotation of the molecules, thus reducing the efficiency of the microwave radars as energy is not fully transmitted.


Question 4

In the short run, air quality (Unit 1) poses the most serious problem in the short run. It creates the most immediate effect compared to the other two units. This is because when the air quality is compromised, mankind has to wear masks to reduce the inhalation of particulate matter, which could induce immediate effects on oneself, such as breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, etc.
In the long run, global warming (Unit 3) has the greatest impact on the world. Effects include melting ice caps resulting in higher sea levels, which causes the loss of habitat for animals such as polar bears. There will be increase in average global temperature, which could indirectly implicate mankind by loss of homes due to flooding. Low lying land areas will be submerged.