Chapter 7 Global Systems

Question 1

What is the process whereby carbon is taken into the food chain from the atmosphere by plants?

Answer 1

The process whereby carbon is taken into the food chain from the atmosphere by plants is photosynthesis.

Question 2

What is the process in which carbon is released back into the atmosphere by animals?

Answer 2

The process by which animals release carbon back into the atmosphere is respiration.

Question 3

Why is it a problem to burn fossil fuels?

Answer 3

Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas, which contributes to global warming and climate change.

Question 3

What is the process in which animals take in carbon?

Answer 3

Animals take in carbon by eating plants or other animals, which contain carbon-based compounds.

Question 4

What can be done to reduce carbon emissions?

Answer 4

To reduce carbon emissions, we can use renewable energy, plant trees, improve energy efficiency, reduce deforestation, and encourage sustainable transport.

Question 4

Which organisms break down waste and dead organisms releasing carbon into the atmosphere, water and soil?

Answer 4

Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down waste and dead organisms, releasing carbon into the atmosphere, water, and soil.

Question 5

What is the process by which fossil fuels are released into the atmosphere?

Answer 5

The process by which fossil fuels release carbon into the atmosphere is called combustion.

Question 6

Why are fossil fuels burned?

Answer 6

Fossil fuels are burned to generate energy for electricity, transportation, heating, and industrial processes.

Question 7

Draw a labelled diagram identifying all the processes and objects in the carbon cycle.

Answer 7

Your carbon cycle diagram should include:

Atmosphere (CO₂)

Photosynthesis (plants absorb CO₂)

Animals (eat plants, respiration releases CO₂)

Decomposers (release CO₂ from waste/dead matter)

Fossil fuels (formed from dead organisms)

Combustion (burning fossil fuels releases CO₂)

Question 8

Explain condensation.

Answer 8

The process where water vapor cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds.

Question 9

Explain evaporation.

Answer 9

The process where liquid water heats up and turns into water vapor, rising into the air.

Question 9

Explain precipitation.

Answer 9

When water droplets in clouds become too heavy and fall to Earth as rain, snow, hail, etc.

Question 10

Explain transpiration.

Answer 10

The release of water vapor from plant leaves into the atmosphere.

Question 11

Explain run-off.

Answer 11

Water that flows over the land surface into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Question 12

What is Thermohaline circulation?

Answer 12

Thermohaline circulation is a global ocean current system driven by differences in water temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline). It moves warm and cold water around the globe and affects climate.

Question 13

Write a definition of climate.

Answer 13

Climate is the long-term average of weather patterns (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.) in a region over 30+ years.

Question 14

How is the definition of climate different to the definition of weather?

Answer 14

Climate refers to long-term patterns, while weather is the day-to-day condition of the atmosphere.

Question 14

What are some of the factors that influence the earth’s climate?

Answer 14

Solar radiation
Earth’s surface
Earth’s tilt and orbit
Greenhouse gases
Ocean currents
Other

Question 15

What are the common greenhouse gases?

Answer 15

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

Methane (CH₄)

Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

Water vapor (H₂O)

Ozone (O₃)

Question 15

Using a simple diagram explain the Greenhouse effect.

Answer 15

Sun emits energy → Earth absorbs heat

Some heat radiates back

Greenhouse gases trap some of this heat → warming the Earth
Label: Sunlight, Earth’s surface, trapped heat, greenhouse gas layer

Question 16

What is the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect? How is it different to the Greenhouse Effect? What effect does it have on the earth?

Answer 16

The Enhanced Greenhouse Gas Effect (EGGE) is the strengthening of the natural greenhouse effect due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
It causes more heat to be trapped, leading to global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.

Question 17

Name the different spheres of the earth.

Answer 17

Atmosphere (air)

Biosphere (life)

Lithosphere (land/rock)

Hydrosphere (water)

Question 18

Describe El Nino.

Answer 18

El Niño is a climate pattern where warmer ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific disrupt global weather systems, weakening trade winds.

Question 19

What happens in Australia during El Nino?

Answer 19

In Australia, El Niño typically brings drought, reduced rainfall, and hotter temperatures, increasing bushfire risks.

Question 20

What is the role of deep ocean currents?

Answer 20

Deep ocean currents help distribute heat around the planet and regulate climate by moving cold and warm water between poles and the equator.

Question 21

The amount of ice in the world can affect the climate on earth. List 5 negative effects on the climate if the amount of ice is severely reduced or lost.

Answer 21

Sea levels rise Less sunlight is reflected (more heat absorbed) Ocean currents change Arctic species lose habitat Global temperatures increase faster

Question 22

Word equation for photosynthesis.

Answer 22

Carbon dioxide + water + sunlight --> glucose + oxygen

Question 23

Explain how the Greenhouse effect works and why it is important for life. Use words and images.

Answer 23

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps Earth warm. When sunlight reaches Earth, some is reflected, but most is absorbed by land and oceans. The Earth then releases this energy as heat, and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour trap some of it in the atmosphere. This trapped heat helps maintain a temperature suitable for life. Without it, Earth would be far too cold to survive.

Question 24

Explain how the following 5 factors influence climate: Solar radiation Earth's surface Earth's tilt and orbit Greenhouse gases Ocean currents Other

Answer 24

Solar Radiation The amount of sunlight Earth receives affects temperature. Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight = warmer. Earth’s Surface Dark surfaces (like forests) absorb more heat, while light surfaces (like ice) reflect it. This affects how much heat stays in the system. Earth’s Tilt and Orbit Earth is tilted at 23.5°. This causes seasons. Earth’s orbit is not a perfect circle. Changes in orbit can affect long-term climate cycles. Greenhouse Gases Gases like CO₂, methane, and water vapour trap heat. More greenhouse gases = warmer climate. Ocean Currents Currents like the Gulf Stream move warm water around the planet. They help regulate regional climates (e.g. Europe is warmer than Canada at the same latitude).

Question 25

Create a basic diagram to show the flow of the Carbon cycle. Your diagram should include the following: taking carbon from the atmosphere and putting carbon back into the atmosphere.

Answer 25

Carbon enters living things: Photosynthesis: Plants take in CO₂ from the atmosphere. Carbon moves through the food chain: Animals eat plants → Carbon moves into animals. Carbon returns to the atmosphere: Respiration (by animals and plants) Decomposition (by fungi and bacteria) Combustion (burning fossil fuels or wood) Oceans absorb and release CO₂: Carbon dissolves in ocean water Marine organisms use it for shells Some is stored in the deep ocean