Graph Interpretation D. Crowley, 2008

Graph Interpretation To be able to interpret graphs Wednesday, August 01, 2018 Graph Interpretation To be able to interpret graphs

Graph Interpretation Your task is to use the information given within the graphs to answer the questions… You will be required to interpret graphical information and explain your findings clearly

Sulphur Dioxide & Smoke

Deaths, Sulphur Dioxide & Smoke

Questions Which forms of pollution have been monitored for the longest time? What were the trends in the levels of black smoke and sulphur dioxide between 1962 and 1996? What do you think may have caused these trends? By how much did the black smoke levels drop between 1962 and 1996? By how much did the sulphur dioxide levels drop between 1962 and 1996? During which year was the drop in black smoke the greatest?

Questions During which year was the drop in sulphur dioxide the greatest? Suggest a possible reason for this drop in pollution levels. Why do you think it may have been easier to monitor the levels of black smoke than sulphur dioxide? Why is it important that we lower the levels of black smoke? Why is it important that we lower the levels of sulphur dioxide? Look at the second graph – write a paragraph describing what the graph suggests about pollution and its effects. Describe the trends in the graph, and how they are linked.

Questions There have not always been records to monitor pollution. What other records do you think you could look at to get an idea of what pollution was like in the past? What other gases should we be monitoring if we are to get an accurate idea of the levels of pollution?

Answers Black smoke & sulphur dioxide Both steadily decreasing Tighter regulations for vehicles / reduced industrial growth / different power sources (i.e. less coal fired power stations) Black smoke levels in 1962 were 158g/m3 and in 1996 the level was 10g/m3. This is a decrease of 148g/m3 Sulphur dioxide levels in 1962 were 180g/m3 and in 1996 the level was 26g/m3. This is a decrease of 154g/m3

Answers 1962-1963 saw a black smoke drop of 38g/m3 1962-1963 saw a sulphur dioxide drop of 37g/m3 Clean air act put into place in early part of 1960s Black smoke more obvious than sulphur dioxide Black smoke can cause respiratory problems Sulphur dioxide causes acid rain, leading to deforestation and potentially an increase in global warming rate

Answers Suggestion that as pollution levels increases, so does mortality rates – clear data between 5th and 10th December 1952 Analysis of mortality rates and what people died of; growth of organisms (i.e. tree growth suggestive of environmental conditions); average temperature can be suggestive with pollution levels etc… Important to monitor carbon dioxide; methane; ozone etc…

Levels Level 4 – information is used to make judgments when pollution was high/low Level 5 – graph patterns described with conclusion formed Level 6 – graph used to speculate causes of pollution, linked to health problems. Other forms of pollution taken into consideration Level 7 – clear and detailed observations made, linking increases in pollution with increases in health problems (smoke causing respiratory problems; sulphur dioxide leading to acid rain killing plants so increasing global warming etc…)