Carbon Flashcards
(41 cards)
What happens to rainwater when it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Rainwater becomes a weak carbonic acid
This acid then reacts with silicate minerals, leading to chemical weathering.
What ions are released during the chemical weathering process?
Calcium ions
These ions are transported by rivers to the oceans.
How do organisms in the ocean use calcium ions?
Organisms combine calcium with dissolved carbon to create calcium carbonate
This process is integral to the formation of carbonate rocks.
How does carbonate rock form?
Through sedimentation of dead organisms
Carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere by volcanism.
What role do phytoplankton play in carbon sequestration?
Phytoplankton sequester atmospheric carbon during photosynthesis
This occurs in surface ocean waters.
What is the carbonate pump?
The process by which carbonate shells/tests move into deep ocean water
This is facilitated by the action of thermohaline circulation.
What do terrestrial primary producers do with carbon?
They sequester carbon during photosynthesis
Some of this carbon is returned to the atmosphere during respiration by consumer organisms.
Fill in the blank: Rainwater becomes a weak carbonic acid when it absorbs _______ from the atmosphere.
carbon dioxide
True or False: Carbonate rock is formed without the involvement of dead organisms.
False
Carbonate rock forms specifically through the sedimentation of dead organisms.
What is one way biological carbon can be stored?
As dead organic matter in soils
Biological carbon can also be returned to the atmosphere via biological decomposition over several years.
Who are the energy players involved in securing pathways and energy supplies?
P: role of TNGs, OPEC, consumers, governments
Each of these players has different roles in the energy supply chain.
What factors contribute to the uncertainty of future emissions and climate warming?
Natural factors, human factors, positive feedback mechanisms
Examples include the role of carbon sinks, economic growth, population, energy sources, carbon release from peatlands and permafrost, and tipping points.
What are some adaptation strategies for a changed climate?
Water conservation and management, resilient agricultural systems, land-use planning, flood-risk management
These strategies have different costs and risks associated with them.
What does the biogeochemical carbon cycle consist of?
Carbon stores of different sizes (terrestrial, oceans, atmosphere)
It includes annual fluxes between stores measured in Pg/Gt, rates, and varying timescales.
Where does most of the earth’s carbon originate from?
Geological processes and biologically derived carbon
This includes the formation of sedimentary carbonate rocks (limestone) in the oceans and carbon in shale and coal.
What role do ocean and terrestrial photosynthesis play?
Regulating the composition of the atmosphere
Soil health is also influenced by stored carbon, which is important for ecosystem productivity.
How has fossil fuel combustion affected carbon pathways?
Altered the balance of carbon pathways and stores
This has implications for climate, ecosystems, and the hydrological cycle.
What factors influence access to and consumption of energy resources?
Physical availability, cost, technology, public perception, economic development, environmental priorities
National comparisons can include differences between the USA and France.
What are energy pathways?
Pipelines, transmission lines, shipping routes, road and rail
They are a key aspect of energy security but can be prone to disruptions.
What are unconventional fossil fuel energy resources?
Tar sands, oil shale, shale gas, deep water oil
These resources have both social costs and benefits, and implications for the carbon cycle.
What role does renewable and recyclable energy play in relation to fossil fuels?
Helps decouple fossil fuel from economic growth
Includes nuclear power, wind power, and solar power, each with economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits.
What are radical technologies that could reduce carbon emissions?
Carbon capture and storage, hydrogen fuel cells, electric vehicles
There is uncertainty regarding the extent to which these technologies can reduce emissions.
What has led to contrasting regional trends in land-use cover?
Growing demand for food, fuel, and other resources globally
This includes trends such as deforestation, afforestation, and conversion of grasslands to farming.
What is the effect of ocean acidification?
Risks crossing critical thresholds for marine ecosystems
This is due to its role as a carbon sink and is increasing because of fossil fuel combustion.
