1.16. Impacts of Carbon on Land, Ocean and Atmosphere

Question 1

Impact of carbon on land (1)

Answer 1

• Carbon in the form of organic matter is essential for plant growth and the production of food.
• This means if there isn’t enough carbon, there will be less plant growth so fewer crops as there will be less photosynthesis. However, when organic matter is broken down by decomposers, more carbon will be released so more photosynthesis so more crops

Question 2

Impact of carbon on land (2)

Answer 2

• Carbon provides a valuable source of energy in the form of wood and fossil fuels
• This means when the wood and fossil fuels are burned, this will release more carbon into the atmosphere to act as more fuel- contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect -+ve feedback loop

Question 3

Impact of carbon on ocean (1)

Answer 3

• Carbon can be converted into calcium carbonate which is used by marine organisms to build shells.
• This means when the shells die, they will fall to the bottom of the sea bed and are covered in layers of sediment and pressure and heat turns it into fossil fuels/ crude oil, releasing more carbon when they’re burned.

Question 4

Impact of carbon on ocean (2)

Answer 4

• The carbon cycle has an impact on the presence and proliferation of phytoplankton, a basic food for many marine organisms. Phytoplankton consumes co2 during photosynthesis. The carbon is then passed along the marine food chain
• This means when the consumers die they will sink to the ocean floor and be covered by sediment to form sedimentary rock. Carbon can dissolve back into the water.

Question 5

Impact of carbon on the atmosphere (1)

Answer 5

• Co2 in the atmosphere helps to warm the earth through the greenhouse effect. Without this, there’d be no life on earth.
• This means the greenhouse gases act as a blanket, which insulates the earth to make it warm. But, as human activity increases carbon levels further, it warms the earth too much. However, the earth also goes through glacial and interglacial periods.

Question 6

Impact of carbon on the atmosphere (2)

Answer 6

• Carbon stored by vegetation has a significant effect on the atmosphere, whether deforestation or afforestation.
• This means when vegetation is burned or deforested, more carbon is released into the atmosphere, increasing temps and when trees are planted, carbon is absorbed and reduced - -ve feedback

Question 7

What regional impacts can the carbon cycle have on the climate?

Answer 7

• Regions experiencing widespread deforestation may become drier and less humid- fewer trees means less photosynthesis
• Volcanic eruptions release co2 into the atmosphere along with ash and other gases. This absorbs more incoming radiation from the sun and can lead to a cooling effect on earth.
• Regions with dense vegetation experience high rates of photosynthesis and respiration. This increases levels of humidity and the amount of cloud cover, which may affect regional temps and rainfall.