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water and carbon cycles geography > carbon cycles mindmap cards > Flashcards

carbon cycles mindmap cards Flashcards

tutor2u mindmap (60 cards)

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1
Q

atmosphere store

A

Mainly stored as carbon dioxide
(CO2), but also shorter-lived methane (CH4).

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2
Q

biosphere store

A

All living organisms are composed of carbon.

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3
Q

cryosphere store

A

The frozen ground of tundra and Arctic regions
containing plant material.

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4
Q

pedosphere store

A

Soil contains much organic carbon and the
remains of dead plants and animals.

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5
Q

lithosphere store

A

Many rocks contain carbon,
e.g. chalk/ limestone.

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6
Q

hydrophere store

A

The oceans contain dissolved
CO2, ands marine organisms and their remains.

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7
Q

slow carbon cycle definition

A

Operates over millions of years and cycles carbon
between land and atmospheric or ocean stores due to
weathering and tectonic processes.

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8
Q

5 stages of the slow carbon cycle

A
  1. The transfer of carbon into the oceans from the atmosphere and
    land surface e.g. weathering
  2. The deposition of carbon compounds on the ocean floor
  3. The conversion of ocean sediments into carbon-rich rock
  4. The transfer of carbon rocks to tectonic margins
  5. The return of carbon compounds to the atmosphere
    in volcanic eruptions
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9
Q

how does deforestation influence the carbon cycle

A
  • Deforestation reduces the
    capacity of forests to
    absorb CO2
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10
Q

how does fossil fuel combustion influence the carbon cycle

A
  • Fossil fuel combustion
    adds more CO2 to the
    atmosphere than natural
    processes can remove
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11
Q

fossil fuel combustion process in the carbon cycle

A

Burning coal, oil, and
natural gas for energy releases large amounts
of CO2 into the atmosphere – contributing to the
greenhouse effect.

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12
Q

deforestation process in the carbon cycle

A

The removal of trees for agriculture,
urban development, logging, energy development,
etc, reduces the CO2. Trees act as a carbon sink
– when they are burned the stored carbon is
released into the atmosphere.

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13
Q

agriculture process in the carbon cycle

A

Farming activities, such as rice
paddies and livestock farming, release CH4, a
potent greenhouse gas. The use of chemical
fertilisers can also increase soil respiration
and CO2 emissions.

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14
Q

cement production, process in the carbon cycle

A

The production of cement
involves heating limestone (calcium carbonate),
which releases CO2 as a byproduct – a significant source of industrial CO2 emissions.

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15
Q

fast carbon cycle definition

A

Operating on a daily basis – cycling carbon between
land and the atmosphere as living things breathe and
digest food.

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16
Q

photosynthesis- influence on the fast carbon cycle

A

Plants and algae use sunlight to
convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen –
removes CO2 from the atmosphere and stores
carbon in plant biomass.

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17
Q

respiration- influence on the fast carbon cycle

A

Respiration: Animals release CO2 into the atmosphere,
soil and oceans by animals as they exhale.

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18
Q

decomposition- influence on the fast carbon cycle

A

Decomposers, such as bacteria and
fungi, break down dead organic matter, releasing
CO2 and CH4 into the atmosphere.

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19
Q

combustion- influence on the fast carbon cycle

A

Natural fires release carbon compounds
from vegetation to the atmosphere

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20
Q

ocean atmosphere exchange- influence on the fast carbon cycle

A

Mutual transfer of CO2 between the
lower atmosphere and ocean surfaces. The flow can go in either
direction depending on the balance of CO2 between the two stores,
temperature and conditions of air and water.

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21
Q

dynamic equilibrium

A

A state of balance between
inputs and outputs in a system that is constantly
changing (e.g. the carbon cycle).

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22
Q

negative feedback loop

A

The movement back
towards dynamic equilibrium – dampening down of change.

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23
Q

positive feedback loop

A

The movement further away from
dynamic equilibrium – an amplification or intensification of
change, e.g. human impact on the carbon cycle.

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24
Q

tipping point meaning

A

If atmospheric carbon dioxide passes a certain level, a positive feedback cycle will be triggered and further increases of atmospheric
carbon are virtually inevitable.

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25
how is permafrost melting a positive feedback cycle
Rising temperatures cause permafrost to thaw, releasing stored carbon in the form of CO2 and methane into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases contribute to further warming and more permafrost thawing.
26
how is ocean warming a positive feedback cycle
Warmer oceans are less able to dissolve CO2 in seawater, leading to more CO2 being released into the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect, causing further warming.
27
how does increased photosyntesis a negative feedback cycle
Higher CO2 levels can stimulate plant growth, leading to more CO2 being absorbed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This process helps to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels and mitigate warming.
28
how does ocean carbon uptake act as a negative feedback cycle
As atmospheric CO2 levels rise; the oceans can absorb more CO2. This process helps to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, although it can also lead to ocean acidification.
29
links of respiration and photosynthesis between the water and carbon cycles
Plants use water and CO2 during photosynthesis to produce oxygen and glucose. During respiration, plants and animals release CO2 and water back into the atmosphere. This process is a key component of both the water and carbon cycles.
30
links between water and carbon cycles to do with ocean atmospheric change
The oceans play a crucial role in both cycles by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and releasing it back through processes like diffusion and upwelling. Water movement in the oceans helps transport carbon, affecting global carbon distribution.
31
weathering and erosion links between the water and carbon cycles
Water contributes to the weathering of rocks, which releases carbon stored in minerals into rivers and eventually the oceans. This process is part of the slow carbon cycle and helps regulate atmospheric CO2 levels.
32
soil carbon storage links between water and carbon cycles
Water availability affects soil moisture, which influences the decomposition of organic matter and the release or storage of carbon in soils. Wet conditions can slow decomposition, leading to carbon storage, while dry conditions can accelerate it.
33
the carbon budget
A concept used in climate policy to help set emissions reduction targets in a fair and effective way. It refers to the maximum amount of cumulative net global anthropogenic (human-caused) CO2 emissions that can be emitted to limit global warming to a specific temperature threshold.
34
advantages of renewable energy
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions; Provides a sustainable and inexhaustible energy source; Creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in the renewable sector.
35
disadvantages of renewable energy
Disadvantages: High initial investment and infrastructure costs.; Intermittent energy supply (e.g., solar and wind) requires storage solutions; Geographic limitations may affect the feasibility of certain renewable sources.
36
what does the paris agreement aim to do
Paris Agreement to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, ideally 1.5°C – signed by 195 countries.
37
advantages of climate change conferences
Advantages: International cooperation and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sharing of knowledge, technology, and best practices.
38
disadvantages of climate change conferences
Can be influenced by political and economic interests, leading to compromises; and implementation of commitments can be slow and inconsistent as some agreements lack binding enforcement mechanisms.
39
example of an afforestation project
Example: China's Grain for Green Program - converted over 28 million hectares of cropland to forest since 1999.
40
advantages of afforestation
Advantages: Increases carbon sequestration by absorbing CO2 through photosynthesis; Enhances biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife.; Prevents soil erosion and improves water retention.
41
disadvantages of afforestation
Can lead to loss of agricultural land and affect food production; Poorly managed projects may reduce biodiversity and introduce invasive species; Requires long-term maintenance and monitoring.
42
what is direct carbon capture
Technology that removes CO2 directly from the atmosphere using chemical processes. Captured CO2 can be stored underground or used in various products.
43
advantages of direct carbon capture
Removes CO2 directly from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas concentrations; Can be deployed in various locations, not limited to emission sources; Potential to produce valuable by-products, such as synthetic fuels.
44
disadvantages of direct and industrial energy carbon capture
High energy and financial costs for operation and maintenance; Requires significant infrastructure and technological development; Potential environmental impacts from storage and disposal of captured CO2.
45
what is industrial and energy carbon capture
Technologies that capture CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can be stored underground or used in various products
46
advantages of industrial and energy carbon capture
Captures CO2 emissions at the source, preventing them from entering the atmosphere; Can be integrated into existing industrial processes and power plants; Helps industries transition to lower-carbon operations.
47
what is agribusiness
Large-scale, industrial farming operations that often involve monoculture (growing a single crop over a large area) and intensive livestock farming. Responsible for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.
48
agribusiness impacts on climate change
* Large-scale monoculture farming often relies on heavy machinery, which burns fossil fuels and emits CO2 * Intensive livestock farming produces significant amounts of methane (NH4) * Synthetic fertilisers and pesticides lead to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions
49
how is landuse change a problem to climate change
Involves altering the natural landscape for agricultural purposes, e.g. converting forests into crop plantations. Impact on climate change: Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels. Additionally, the process of clearing land often involves burning vegetation, which releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. Land use change can also disrupt soil carbon storage, releasing CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
50
how is fertaliser use a problem to climate change
Chemical or organic substances used to enhance plant growth. Nitrogen-based fertilisers are used in modern farming. Impact on climate change: Manufacturing fertilisers requires energy, often from fossil fuels, leading to CO2 emissions; When used fertilisers can release N2O through soil microbial processes. N2O is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 300 times that of CO2.
51
what is regenerative agriculture
Involves farming practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services. E.g. crop rotation and integrating livestock.
52
how is regenative agriculture a mitigation strategy for climate change
These practices improve soil carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance resilience to climate change.
53
benefits of regenative agriculture
Improves soil fertility, increases water retention.
54
issues with regenative agriculture
Issues: Requires changes in traditional farming practices and may have higher initial costs. Adoption can be slow due to lack of knowledge and resources.
55
how is organic farming mitigation for climate change
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from fertiliser production and application. Enhances soil carbon sequestration.
56
benefits of organic farming
Improves soil health and biodiversity. Produces healthier food with fewer chemical residues.
57
issues of organic farming
Lower yields compared to conventional farming – labour intensive/expensive
58
how is agroforestry a mitigation strategy for climate change
Trees sequester carbon, reduce soil erosion, and improve microclimates, enhancing crop yields and resilience to climate change.
59
benefits to agroforestry
Provides additional income from timber, fruits, and other tree products. Enhances biodiversity and soil health.
60
issues with agroforestry
Requires long-term planning and investment. Trees take time to mature.

water and carbon cycles geography (7 decks)

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