Key processes in the fast and slow carbon cycle Flashcards
(18 cards)
Define photosynthesis
The absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere and from oceans to produce organic carbon structures.
Define respiration
The release of CO2 into the atmosphere, soil and oceans by animals as they exhale.
Define digestion
The release of carbon compounds by terrestrial and marine animals after feeding on carbon-rich material
Define decomposition
The breakdown of animals and plant structures by bacteria and the release of carbon compounds into the atmosphere, soil and to the ocean floor.
Define combustion
Natural fires release carbon compounds from vegetation to the atmosphere
How many stages are in the slow carbon cycle?
5
What is the first stage of the slow carbon cycle?
The transfer of carbon into the oceans from the atmosphere and land surface
How is carbon transferred into oceans from the atmosphere and land surface?
Direct CO2 absorption as part of the atmosphere-ocean exchange is supplemented by the erosion of carbon rich terrestrial surfaces. Naturally-acidic rainfall dissolves surface rocks and transfer bicarbonate compounds to the sea.
What is the second stage of the slow carbon cycle?
The deposition of carbon compounds on the ocean floor
How are carbon compounds deposited onto the ocean floor?
Marine plants absorb CO2 and marine creatures take in carbon to construct skeletons and shells. Phytoplankton is consumed and carbon rich excrement falls to the ocean floor
What is the third stage of the slow carbon cycle?
The conversion of ocean sediments into carbon-rich rock
How are ocean sediments converted into carbon-rich rock?
Carbon-rich accumulations of deposits may be coverted into carbon-rich rocks (chalk and limestone) or some become contained as concentrations within sandstones and shales to form organic deposits, these can become fossil-fuel reserves
What is the fourth stage of the slow carbon cycle?
The transfer of carbon rocks to tectonic margins
How are carbon rocks transferred to tectonic margins?
Sedimentary rocks are created by heat and pressure over millions of years, they are also moved into the direction their crustal plate is moving.
What is the 5th stage of the slow carbon cycle?
The return of carbon compounds to the atmosphere in volcanic eruptions
How are carbon compounds returned to the atmosphere in volcanic eruptions?
At subduction zones, carbon-rich rocks may be ejected at the surface of volcanic eruptions. CO2 contributes to the formation of carbonic acid in clouds, which then begins the process of solution of surface rocks.
How much carbon moves through the slow carbon cycle each year?
10-100 million metric tonnes
How much carbon moves through the fast carbon cycle each year?
1,000-100,000 million metric tons
