Oceanic Carbon Pumps

Question 1

How does carbon dioxide enter the ocean?

Answer 1

Water can dissolve CO2, and take it up through photosynthesis
CO2 reacts with seawater creating carbonic acid

Question 2

Physical carbon pump 1

Answer 2

CO2 diffuses into colder sea surface water

Question 3

Physical carbon pump 2

Answer 3

Sinking cold water carries CO2 to ocean depths

Question 4

Physical carbon pump 3

Answer 4

Low latitudes ;more insulation
Higher ocean temps

Question 5

Physical carbon pump 4

Answer 5

Cold water brought to the surface in upwelling’s
Warms and releases CO2 to atmosphere

Question 6

Diffusion

Answer 6

Movement of a substance from area of high to low concentration

Question 7

Vertical deep mixing

Answer 7

Movement of carbon within oceans, between deep oceans and surface water

Question 8

Downwelling

Answer 8

Water in cold polar regions sinks, transferring carbon from the surface

Question 9

Upwelling

Answer 9

Cold water returns to the surface bringing carbon dioxide

Question 10

Phytoplankton

Answer 10

Microscopic plant

Question 11

Zooplankton

Answer 11

Tiny animals found near surface in aquatic environments

Question 12

Marine snow

Answer 12

Shower of mostly organic detritus falling from surface waters

Question 13

Biological carbon pump 1

Answer 13

Living things move carbon to surface waters

Question 14

Biological carbon pump 2

Answer 14

Carbon incorporated into marine organisms such as organic matter

Question 15

Biological carbon pump 3

Answer 15

Organisms die, dead shells sink into deep water

Question 16

Biological carbon pump 4

Answer 16

Decay releases carbon dioxide to deep water

Question 17

Biological carbon pump 5

Answer 17

Some material sinks right to the bottom forming layer of carbon rich sediment

Question 18

Biological carbon pump 6

Answer 18

Over millions of years chemical, and physical processes turn sediment to rocks