carbon cycle- october Flashcards
(44 cards)
What is photosynthesis in the carbon cycle, and how does it affect carbon levels?
- the process where plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose.
- removes CO₂ from the atmosphere, sequestering carbon and reducing potential climate change impacts.
What is respiration in the carbon cycle?
- the process where plants and animals convert oxygen and glucose into energy, releasing CO₂ and water as waste products.
- Plants absorb more CO₂ than they emit, making them net carbon absorbers.
how do wildfires impact the carbon cycle?
transfer carbon from the biosphere to the atmosphere.
What role does volcanic activity play in the carbon cycle?
Volcanic eruptions release carbon stored within the earth , though they contribute a low proportion overall.
How does fossil fuel use impact the carbon cycle?
fossil fuel combustion transfers CO2 from long-term carbon sinks to the atmosphere, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.
What is the effect of deforestation on the carbon cycle?
Deforestation releases stored carbon
How do farming practices impact the carbon cycle?
Pastoral farming releases CO2 through animal respiration, and ploughing releases CO2 from soil. Machinery like tractors also emits CO2.
What are fluxes in the carbon cycle?
changes in the magnitude of carbon stores, occurring over time, and can be rapid or span thousands of years.
Define ‘carbon budget’.
The balance between carbon inputs and outputs in a given carbon store.
What is a carbon source?
store that emits more carbon than it absorbs, e.g., a damaged rainforest.
What is a carbon sink?
A store that absorbs more carbon than it emits, e.g., a virgin rainforest.
What is the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect?
the process of global warming due to high levels of greenhouse gases produced by humans, trapping solar radiation and increasing global temperatures.
How does the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect affect the water cycle?
Increased global temperatures cause more evapotranspiration and could make summer storms more frequent.
How does land use change affect the carbon cycle?
releases carbon annually and impacts short-term stores like soil and atmosphere, especially through deforestation and urbanization.
What impact does urbanization have on the carbon cycle?
- Urbanization replaces vegetation
- cement production releases co2
How do Milankovitch Cycles relate to global warming?
Variations in Earth’s orbit can increase solar heating, which raises temperatures and releases CO2 from warmer oceans, amplifying warming.
What is positive feedback in relation to Milankovitch Cycles?
Warming increases ocean CO2 release, which causes further temperature rises, creating a feedback loop.
How does the carbon cycle affect tropical rainforests?
High photosynthesis rates lead to greater humidity and precipitation; deforestation reduces these, affecting regional climate.
How do warmer oceans affect carbon sequestration?
Warmer oceans store less CO2, reducing their role as carbon sinks, which may increase the greenhouse effect.
What is positive feedback in the carbon cycle?
Positive feedback amplifies processes, e.g., wildfires release CO2, which increases warming, leading to more fires.
What is negative feedback in the carbon cycle?
Negative feedback counteracts processes, e.g., increased CO2 causes more photosynthesis, which reduces CO2 levels.
What impact does land drainage have on moorlands and the carbon cycle?
Draining moorlands lowers the water table, increases peat decomposition, and releases CO2.
How does restoring moorland drainage channels impact carbon storage?
Blocking drainage channels increases water storage, reduces CO2 release, and restores habitats.
What is the Paris Climate Deal (COP21)?
An international agreement aiming to limit global temperature increases to 2°C, with regular reviews and support for developing countries.
