Ocean Pumps Flashcards
1
Q
What organisms move carbon from the atmosphere into the hydrosphere?
A
phytoplankton
2
Q
What are phytoplankton?
A
marine microscopic plants that float on the surface of the ocean
3
Q
Briefly outline the biological ocean pump
A
- photosynthesis of phytoplankton takes in CO2 from atmosphere
- passed along food web to consumers
- organisms die and sink
- decomposition and sedimentation
4
Q
How much of the world’s biomass is made up of phytoplankton?
A
over half
5
Q
What happens after marine organisms die?
A
they sink and decompose or turn into sediment
6
Q
Why does CO2 dissolve into the ocean surface?
A
as the pressure of CO2 in the atmosphere is greater than the pressure of CO2 in the water
7
Q
How does temperature impact the amount of CO2 taken in by the oceans?
A
hotter water: less CO2
colder water: more CO2
8
Q
How does upwelling impact ecology?
A
increase in nutrients and biodiversity
9
Q
What is vertical deep mixing?
A
- warm water travels to polar regions
- water is cooled and sinks
- as it returns, it warms up and releases CO2 into the atmosphere
