Water, Carbon, Climate and life on earth Flashcards
(12 cards)
What can increased CO2 in atmosphere do to the water cycle ?
Higher evaporation rates and a wetter atmosphere which leads to a positive feedback situation of further warming. CO2 causes about 20% of earths greenhouse effect, water vapour occurs for 50% and clouds 25%.
What can increased CO2 in atmosphere do to the ocean ?
As CO2 concentrations rise, air temps go up - the oceans then warm up and more water vapour evaporates into the atmosphere which amplifies greenhouse heating. Also CO2 can control the temperatures as it controls the amount of water vapour in atmosphere and therefore the size of the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Mitigation to climate change for rural land use ?
Afforestation, Changing agricultural methods e.g non-ploughing.
Mitigation to climate change for urban design ?
Sustainable transport, Waste management practices, Building design
Mitigation to climate change for increased use of renewable energy ?
Solar energy, Wind power, Wave and tidal power
How does weathering link with W and C cycle ?
Weathering releases carbon from lithosphere and into the atmosphere and oceans, once in the oceans carbon can be locked away as sedimentary rocks.
How does photosynthesis and respiration link with W and C cycle ?
Transfer carbon and water between biosphere and atmosphere, water and carbon both used in the reaction.
How does permafrost melting link with W and C cycle ?
Melting of permafrost releases CO2 and methane into the atmosphere - will also release previously frozen water into the water cycle.
Once in the atmosphere it will contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
How does ocean warming link with W and C cycle ?
Increase greenhouse gases causes enhanced greenhouse effect and oceans to warm up.
May in turn affect C cycle as less CO2 is dissolved by oceans when temp is increased which will lead to more in atmosphere.
How does volcanic outgassing affect W and C cycle ?
During eruptions CO2 and water vapour are released as well as other gases, Water vapour is the most abundant out of all the gases.
Scientist agree that amount of CO2 released by volcanoes lays an insignificant role in the greenhouse effect.
Transfer of water and carbon from lithosphere to atmosphere.
How does ocean atmosphere exchange affect W and C cycle ?
Process of physical carbon pump, Process of biological carbon pump.
