Lesson 3 - Carbonate Pump Flashcards
1
Q
How do marine organisms generate their shells + inner skeletons?
A
Utilise inorganic carbon sediments
E.g., Calcium carbonate
2
Q
What happens when these organism die?
A
Sink + decompose
Shells/skeletons may dissolve before sea bed
3
Q
How do shells + skeletons affect oceanic carbon?
A
Dissolve + release carbon
Sink + lie on ocean floor
Creates limestone sediments
4
Q
How have some ocean areas become sources of methane?
A
Nutrient rich seabeds
CH4 seeps through
Enters ocean + atmosphere
5
Q
What is the carbonate pump reliant upon?
A
Inorganic carbon sediment
Forms shells + skeletons
