The global energy budget: past paper questions
Real questions on the global energy budget
The newest 20 of 84 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9696/12 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[3]
Suggest reasons for the impacts of global warming shown in Figure 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2026 · Q5a(i)[4]
Define the atmospheric terms ‘sensible heat transfer’ and ‘albedo’.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2026 · Q5c[15]
‘The greatest influence on the seasonal variation of temperature is the land/sea distribution.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? Rocks and weathering
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(ii)[4]
Explain why some areas experience radiation deficits. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[8]
Describe and explain the atmospheric impacts from global warming.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[1]
State the maximum negative difference in global average surface temperatures shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[4]
Describe the pattern of differences in global average surface temperatures shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q2c[5]
Explain the pattern of differences in global average surface temperatures between 1980 and 2022 as shown in Fig. 2.1. Rocks and weathering
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[8]
Explain why some latitudes experience radiation excesses and some latitudes experience radiation deficits.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2025 · Q5b[8]
Explain how latitude influences the global energy budget.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2025 · Q1c[5]
Suggest reasons for the differences between groundwater levels in Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2. Atmosphere and weather
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[15]
‘Incoming solar radiation is the most important factor in determining the global energy budget.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? Rocks and weathering
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[1]
Which season shows the greatest change in snow cover for the period 1975 to 2020?
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[4]
Compare the trends in seasonal snow cover shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[1]
State the predicted change in the number of mild days for location X shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[4]
Describe the pattern of predicted change in the number of mild days shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5a(i)[4]
Define the atmospheric terms sensible heat transfer and evaporation.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5b[8]
Describe and explain the latitudinal pattern of radiation in the global energy budget.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5c[15]
‘Land/sea distribution is the main factor influencing seasonal variations in temperature.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? Rocks and weathering
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5a(ii)[4]
Explain how ocean currents contribute to the global atmospheric transfer of energy.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
There were very few effective answers to this question. Some identified the tri-cellular model as a significant factor but were unable to discuss seasonal variations. Few candidates produced valid diagrams which would have helped explain seasonality.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q5(b) (Cambridge)
Most candidates understood what the global energy budget entailed but a minority answered in terms of the diurnal energy budget. Most elements in the mark scheme were covered in answers with a combination of wind belts and ocean currents discussed. The effect of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) featured prominently. However, explanations varied a great deal in accuracy and thoroughness.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/12 Q5(b) (Cambridge)
There was a highly variable response to this question. Many candidates were able to describe the nature and distribution of ocean currents but were unable to use this information in explaining how they influenced energy transfer. Some candidates described land and sea breezes which were inappropriate. The discussion of energy transfers related to the tricellular model and trade winds was often det...
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9696/11 Q5(c) (Cambridge)
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