carbon key words Flashcards
(41 cards)
What does biogeochemical refer to?
Relating to the movement of chemical elements between living (bio) and non-living (geo) parts of the Earth.
Define flux in the context of the carbon cycle.
The transfer or flow of carbon between stores in the carbon cycle.
What is sedimentary rock?
Rock formed by the accumulation and compression of mineral and organic particles, storing long-term carbon (e.g., limestone).
What does geological refer to?
Relating to Earth’s physical structure and processes over millions of years (e.g., formation of fossil fuels).
What is out-gassing?
The release of gases like carbon dioxide from Earth’s interior, mainly through volcanoes.
Define planetary health.
The health of Earth’s systems (land, oceans, atmosphere) and their ability to support human life.
What does it mean to sequester carbon?
The process of capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, naturally or artificially.
Explain photosynthesis.
The process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide and sunlight to produce energy (glucose) and oxygen.
What is respiration?
The process by which living organisms release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere by breaking down glucose.
Define decomposition.
The breakdown of dead organisms, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere or soil.
What is combustion?
The burning of organic material (e.g., fossil fuels), releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The natural process where greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm enough for life.
What does thermohaline refer to?
Large-scale ocean circulation driven by global density differences in temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline).
What are Earth systems?
The interconnected components of the planet: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
What does balance mean in the context of carbon cycles?
Maintaining equilibrium between carbon inputs and outputs to prevent major climate changes.
Define terrestrial.
Relating to land-based ecosystems and processes.
What is the carbonate pump?
The movement of carbon from the ocean surface to the deep ocean through marine organisms’ shells and skeletons.
What does regulating mean regarding Earth’s systems?
Processes that control or moderate Earth’s systems, such as carbon regulation by forests and oceans.
Define composition in the context of Earth systems.
The makeup or chemical structure of the atmosphere or other Earth systems.
What is productivity in ecological terms?
The rate at which plants and other producers convert carbon into biomass through photosynthesis.
What are consequences in relation to the carbon cycle?
The outcomes or impacts of changes in the carbon cycle, like climate change.
Define consumption in an environmental context.
The use of resources, particularly fossil fuels and energy.
What does per capita mean?
Per person; often used to describe energy use or carbon emissions averaged across a population.
What is an energy mix?
The range of energy sources used by a country or region (e.g., oil, gas, renewables).
