20091212

Astronomy quiz question: carbon dioxide sink

Astronomy 210 Quiz 7, Fall Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

What prevents Earth's atmosphere from building up too much carbon dioxide?
(A) Volcanoes.
(B) Oceans.
(C) Plants.
(D) The greenhouse effect.

Correct answer: (B)

Oceans absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which settle into sedimentary rocks on ocean floors, which are then subsequently subducted back into the mantle.

Section 70158
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 26 students
(C) : 15 students
(D) : 2 students

Success level: 65% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.75

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