How are the water and carbon cycles linked Flashcards Preview

A2 Geography Earths life support systems > How are the water and carbon cycles linked > Flashcards

Flashcards in How are the water and carbon cycles linked Deck (4)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

How does the atmosphere links the cycles

A

CO2 plays a vital role in photosynthesis
Plants extract water from soil and transpire it to the atm
water is evaporated from the oceans
CO2 is exchanged from the ocean to the atm

2
Q

How does the oceans link the cycles

A

Ocean acidity increases when exchanges of CO2 are not in balance
Solubility of CO2 in the oceans increases at lower sea-surface temperatures
CO2 influences SST and thermal expansion, melting of ice and air temperatures

3
Q

How does vegetation and soil link the cycles

A

Water availability influences the rate of photosynthesis, NPP
Water storage capacity of soils increases with organic content
Temperature and rainfall affects decomposition rates and the release of CO2 to the atm
Temp and rainfall affects decomposition rates and release of CO2 to atm

4
Q

How does the Cryosphere link the cycles

A

CO2 levels in the atm determine temp and melting of ice sheets, glaciers and permafrost
Melting expose land and sea surfaces which absorb more radiation and increase temp
Run-off, river flow and evaporation respond to temperature change