1.a,b,c. 3.a,b. 4.a,b. Flashcards
what is the importance of water?
to the atmosphere/envrionment
water help to create thermal condition eg ocean occupied 71% of the Earth’s surface. it helps moderate temp by absorbing heat storing it and
releasing it slowly
- moderate the environment
- water vapour absorb long wave radiation and help to maintain global temp
- water makes up to around 65%-75% of living organisms
what is the importance of water to humans?
hydration - body is made up of about 60% of water and staying hydrated help maintain body functions
- digestion and nutrient absorption - water helps break down food and transport nutrient through out the body
- temperature regulation- sweating an respiration help regulate body temp
- detoxification- water helps flush out waste through urine and sweat
what is the importance of water to flora?
- plant need water for respiration, photosynthesis and transportation
- photosynthesis - co2 and water will convert to glucoses and starches
- respiration : glucose and starch convert to co2 and water
what is the importance of water to fauna?
- circulation and oxygen support- water is a key part of blood, helping transport oxygen and nutrients
- water removal - flushes out toxin through urine and faeces
- reproduction and growth - essential for cell growth , reproduction and development
survival in the - -ecosystem - animals depend on water bodies for their habitat and food resources
what is the importance of carbon?
-carbon is a common chemical element
- stored in carbonate rocks such as limestone, seafloor sediments, ocean water and atmosphere
- used as economic resources such as coal, oil and natural gas
what is the importance of carbon to earth?
- carbon cycle - carbon moves through the atmosphere, oceans, soil and living organisms - keeping the ecosystem blocked
- climate regulation - carbon dioxide and methane help trap heat, maintaining earth’s temp
- soil fertility - carbon based compounds enrich the soil and support plant growth
what is the importance of carbon the humans?
- building blocks of life - carbon is a key element in DNA, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, forming the structure of our bodies
- energy production- human get carbon from food ( carbohydrates, fats and protein ) which is broken down the release energy through cellular respiration
- breathing and gas exchange - we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which is then used by plants in photosynthesis
- bone and muscle formation - carbon based compounds help in the development of bones, muscles and tissues
- metabolism and hormones - hormones like insulin and steroids, are made up of carbon containing molecules
what is the importance of carbon to flora?
- photosynthesis - plant absorb co2 from the air and use sunlight to convert it into glucose and oxygen
- growth and structure - carbon is part of cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls, giving plants strength.
- energy storage - plant store carbon in starches and sugar, which provide energy for growth
- soil fertility - dead plants decompose, releasing carbon back to the soil and enrich it for new plant growth
carbon regulate temp and trap heat. excessive carbon based gases due to human activity trap too much heat and lead to global warming
summary of carbon
carbon regulate temp and trap heat. Excessive carbon based gases due to human activity trap too much heat and lead to global warming
what are the water and carbon cycles?
served as open and closed system ( group of object and the relationship that bind the objects together) water and carbon cycle is driven by the sun energy
Closed system
exchange energy but not matter
open system
exchange energy and matter
features of the global hydrological cycle ( water cycle)
how is it a closed system?
- a closed system made up of a series of process
- no external input so volume of water is finite and constant
- no water is new water
3 stores of water?
atmosphere
ocean
land
Distribution of water on Earth?
water on earth is distributed among various reservoirs and stores, constantly moving through the hydrological cycle. the ocean is the largest water store while the atmosphere holds the least. Water moves between stores through precipitation, run off and ground water flow
main reservoirs of water?
lakes and wetlands
- soil moisture - water stored within the soil
- terrestrial water - include all surface water, ground water and soil moisture
- atmospheric water( smallest store ) contain water in gas form as water vapour and contributes of precipitation
- cryosphere- includes all frozen water in the glacier, ice sheets , sea ice and permafrost
input and output?
- Inputs of water to the atmosphere include water evaporation from the ocean, soil ,lakes ,rivers and vapour transported through the leaves of plant. The process is known as evaporation
- Output: Moisture then leaves the atmosphere as precipitation ( snow, rain and hail ) and condensation ( fog ) ice sheets and glaciers and snowfield release water by ablation ( melting and sublimation )
- Precipitation and meltwater drain from the land surface as run off into rivers. Most river flow to ocean through some in continental drylands like southwest USA
- Precipitation on the land reaches river only after infiltrating and flowing through the soil
- After infiltration the soil, water under gravity may percolate into permeable rocks/ aquifers
- Ground water eventually reaches the surface as springs and contribute to run-off
residence time?
amt of water stored
longest reside time ( thousand to million years) eg deep ground water , aquifers, glaciers and ice caps
shortest residue time ( hours to days ) eg atmosphere , river and stream
water stores
atmosphere - stored as water vapour
biosphere- liquid water is tissue of plants and animals
ocean - liquid water
ground water - stored in pored in sediment and rocks
surface water- liquid fresh
water flow
atmosphere - ocean and surface water - lithosphere( outer layer of earth )
water balance?
precipitation=evaporation+ transportation + flow +/- storage
process of the water cycle
Evaporation:
Transpiration:
Condensation:.
Precipitation
interception :
infiltration
through flow
ground water flow
overland flow
Runoff:
precipitation - water and ice that fall from cloud to the ground?
eg rain and snow ( hail, sleet and drizzle ) from when vapour cools to it dew point and condensers into tiny water droplets /ice particles to form clouds. It reaches a critical size and leave the cloud as precipitation.
-rain
- it reaches ground floor quickly into streams and river. High latitude and mountainous catchment - precipitation fall as snow and remain in ground.
- -High intensity - more rapidly overland flow into streams and river is more than the infiltration capacity of the soil
- Duration - length of time that precipitation lasts
- Depression and frontal system - deposits exceptional amount of precipitation and cause saturation of soil , leading to overland flow and flooding
Eg. East Africa , precipitation is concentrated, Therefore , lead to high river discharge , which often leads to flooding
transpiration
Evaporation of water from the leaves of a plant.
plant body release water in the front of vapour through its aerial part such as branches , leaves and stem. It is influenced by temp , wind speed and water availability
condesation
vapour turns into liquid water. When air is cooled to it dew point, air become saturated, therefore cloud is formed
types of cloud
· Cumuliform cloud - flat base and vertical development
It is the air heated through contact with earth surface and heated air rise freely through atmosphere (convection) and it expand (fall in pressure with altitude ) and cool
· Striation / layer clouds - air mass move horizontally across a cooler surface eg ocean with some mixing (advection : transfer of heat or matter by the flow of a fluid )
· Wispy, circus cloud - form in high altitude areas. It consists of crystal and there is no precipitation. Therefore there is no influence
Condensation at / near the fragment produce dew and fog . therefore, produce moisture in vegetation and other surface.
formation of clouds happens when?
convection - air warmed by the contact with the ground or sea surface rise freely through the atmosphere. As increase , pressure increase. lead to expansion
advection - air mass moves horizontally across a cooler surface
air rises as it crosses a mountain barrier
warmer air mixed with cooler air
lapse rate?
rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in the atmosphere
environmental lapse rate
vertical temp profile of the low atmosphere ( 6.5 degree per km when it is higher in the atmosphere and it will get cooler)
dry adiabatic lapse rate?
parcel of dry air ( elevation of air ) as the parcel of air move up, it expand and cools, it cools quicker if condensation takes place
saturated adiabatic rate
saturated parcel of air , cools slower if there is condensation, excess heating is known as latent heat
catchment hydrology
study of how water moves through a catchment area, which is a region where precipitation collects and drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean
evaporation
liquid water turns into water vapour - heat needs to break into the molecular bonds of water , energy input would not increase the temp in the water but will absorb as latent heat and release as condensation. this allow huge quantities of heat to be transferred eg ocean
interception
vegetation interrupt the precipitation eg it stores on branch , leaves and stems. Moisture evaporates which will decrease interception and falls to the gorund
kinds of water flow
throughflow and stemflow
through flow - rainwater , interception and drop to the floor
stemflow- rain water drop to branches and steams and drop to the ground
factors which affect the flow
interception storage capacity
windspeed
vegetation type
tree species
infiltration
rainfall directly drop to the ground without storage. Gravity into the soil and lateral movement / throughflow to streams and river
overland flow
access to the ground water surface ( sleet , tricklets and rivulets) to streams and river channel. The rainfall intensity exceeds infiltration capacity , soil then become saturated and water rise to the surface.
ground water flow
soil are underlain by permeable rocks and water flow underground. When water migrates through rock pores and joint precipitation, it emerges to the surface as springs.
water table in the uk during late october
In late October, the UK experiences increased rainfall, which raises the water table as groundwater is replenished. This saturation leads to enhanced surface runoff, boosting discharge levels in rivers and streams. While temperatures may rise temporarily due to specific weather patterns, the overall trend in autumn is cooler conditions, which, along with shorter days and reduced solar radiation, decreases evapotranspiration. As a result, the combination of saturated soils and cooler air reduces the capacity for moisture loss from both soil and plants. This interplay of factors significantly impacts the hydrological cycle during this period.
cryosphere process ( water in solid form )
cryosphere means water in solid form includes ( ice caps, glaciers)
ablation, which refers to the loss of ice and snow due to melting, evaporation, and sublimation. During warmer months, meltwater becomes a crucial component of river flow, especially in high-latitude regions and mountainous catchments. In spring and summer, as temperatures rise, melting ice releases stored water, contributing to streamflow. Additionally, glaciers and ice caps act as reservoirs, temporarily locking up water and influencing sea levels. When these ice masses melt, they release water, which can significantly impact local and global hydrology.
carbon cycle
number of stores and sinks connected by flow of carbon
principal carbon store
atmosphere
ocean
carbonate rocks such as limestone and chalk,
fossil fuels
plant and soils
biosphere
input and output carbon
slow carbon cycle - rocks
fast carbon cycle - plants and animals
slow carbon cycle
take millions of years to transfer
- carbon fixation - co2 from the atmosphere where marine organisms such as clams and corals make their shells and skeltons by fixing dissolved carbon tgt with calcium
- sediment accumulation - death of the organisms sink to the ocean floor and accumulate over years. heat and pressure then convert them into carbon rich sediment rocks
3, chemical weathering - precipitation with co2 in the atmosphere form a weak acid. the acid attacks the carbonate minerals in rock releasing co2 to the atmosphere and in dissolved form to streams , river and ocean
4, organic material burial - land composed the organic material eg buried underneath younger sediment to form carbon access rock such as coal and oil, Deep ocean sediment such as fossil fuels acts as carbon sink
fast carbon cycle
circulates rapidly between the atmosphere, ocean and living organisms and soils. these transfers are 10-1000 times faster than sow carbon cycles
carbon fixation - microphytoplankton and plants
Through photosynthesis, these organisms combine carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with water to produce carbohydrates, such as glucose. This process forms the foundation of the food chain, while respiration, the opposite process, releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.
organic material burial - decomposition of dead organic matter by microbes returns carbon to the atmosphere. In this fast cycle, carbon exchange occurs between the atmosphere and the ocean, where CO2 dissolves in surface water and is later ventilated back into the atmosphere. Individual carbon atoms can be stored through natural sequestration for about 350 years, highlighting the dynamic nature of the fast carbon cycle.
carbon cycle
precipitation
respiration
decomposition
ocean exchange
sediment
volcanic activity
precipitation
co2+ water - forms the weak carbonic acid. concentrated due to anthropogenic emissions ( release of greenhouse gases) and increase the acidity
photosynthesis
carbon from atmosphere to land plant and phytoplankton via photosynthesis averaging around 120 GT. Using the sun energy , co2 from the atmosphere and water, green plants and marine phytoplankton convert light energy to chemical energy ( glucose ) through the process of photosynthesis. Plant use energy in form of glucose to maintain growth , reproduction and other life processes, they release co2 to atmosphere in respiration
weathering types
chemical
biological
physical
chemical weathering
- rainwater is a weak carbonic acid, slowly dissolves limestone and chalk . Carbonation release carbon from limestones to streams, rivers, oceans and the atmosphere. Process beneath a soil cover because of the high concentration of co2 in the soil makes rainwater more acidic.
Transferred 0.3 billion tones of carbon in to the atmosphere and ocean every year eg of limestone - Norber Brow in Yorkshire Dales , limestone surface lowered by nearly half a meter in the past 13000 years
bio weathering
· chelation contribute to rock break down. Rainwater mixed with dead an decaying organic material in the soil form humid acid which attacks rock materials
physical weathering
freeze thaw break into smaller particles but no chemical change. Expected surface area lead to chemical attack
respiration
glucose and oxygen = co2 and water
· Plants and animals absorb oxygen which burn carbohydrates and provide energy needed for metabolism and growth> respiration is the reverse of photosynthesis
· Respiration and photosynthesis is the most important process in the carbon cycle
decomposition
deposition bacteria eg bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter, extracting the energy and release the co2. The rate of decomposition depends on the factor occur in the warm and humid period. In contrast, the rate of composition is slow in cold environment like tundra and drylands
comnbustion
presence of oxygen. Combustion release co2
- natural fuel used in ecosystem
- wildfire essential eg coniferous forest of the rocky mountains
- long cold winter slows the decomposition of the forest litter which builds up the forest floor
- fire shift the log jam, freeing carbon and nutrients inaccessible to forest trees
- open up forest canopy, create new habitat and increase biodiversity
human activity (comustion)
combustion of fossil fuels - carbon dioxide from geological store to atmosphere, ocean and biosphere
how is the ocean a carbon sink
carbon sequestration in the ocean- taking carbon out in the fast circulation cycle and lock it in the long term storage.
it absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases.
physical carbon pump
biological carbon pump
physical carbon pump?
- co2 dissolves into the surface ocean from the atmosphere
- cold water hold more co2 , so carbon absorption is higher in colder regions
- ocean current transport and sink co2 rich water to the deep ocean , storing it for centuries
biological carbon pump ( phytoplankton)?
around 50 GT is drawn from the atmosphere by the biological pump every year
marine organisms drive the pump , phytoplankton float near the ocean surface and combine sunlight, water and dissolved co2 to produce organic material
- cold water sinks the co2 through the marine food chain , carbon is locked in the phytoplankton and accumulates in sediment in ocean floor / decomposed back as co2
- other marine organisms such as molluscs extract carbonate and calcium ions from sea water to manufacture plates, shells and skeletons of calcium carbonate
carbon rich material end up in ocean sediment and ultimately compressed and compacted into rocks forming chalk and limestone
- Phytoplankton (tiny ocean plants) absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter.
- This organic carbon is transferred up the food chain or sinks to the ocean floor when organisms die, where it can be stored for thousands of years
vegetation
land plants esp tree contain huge store of carbon. Many extracted from atmospheric co2 through photosynthesis and is locked away
land use changes
urbanisation
farming
forestry
ubanisation
from rural to urban , farmland and woodland is replaced by housing and factories, the artificial surface is impermeable so there is only little to no infiltration and only provide a minimal water capacity for run off
farming
clearance of forest will reduce the carbon storage in biomass and the soil carbon storage can be reduced by ploughing ( turning the uppermost soil ) and exposure of soil organic matter to oxidisation
losses occur through harvesting crops only small organic matter return to soil
carbon cycle- lack of biodiversity in the farming system , growth cycle of crops compress to just 4 and 5 months
how does farming modify the carbon cycle
Irrigation Practices
Diverting Water: Farming often relies on irrigation, which involves diverting surface water from rivers and extracting groundwater. This water is used to support crop growth on cultivated land.
Soil Storage and Transpiration: Water is stored in the soil and released through transpiration (the process by which plants release water vapor). However, this process can lead to losses due to evaporation and drainage, which can reduce the overall efficiency of water use in agriculture.
- Rainfall Interception
Comparison with Ecosystems: Annual crops (like grains) intercept less rainfall compared to forests and grassland ecosystems. This means that less water is retained in the soil for plants to use, affecting both evaporation and transpiration rates from leaf surfaces.
- Ploughing Effects
Increased Evaporation: The act of ploughing can increase evaporation rates and lead to greater loss of soil moisture.
Drainage Channels: When ploughing is done downslope, it can create channels that accelerate runoff and increase soil erosion. This reduces the amount of water that can infiltrate the soil.
- Infiltration Rates
Enhanced Infiltration: Farming practices like ploughing can improve soil structure, leading to greater infiltration of water. However, this can also lead to artificially increased water transfer to streams and lakes through underdrainage systems.
Surface Runoff: The increase in surface runoff means that during rain events, the peak flow in streams is generally higher in agricultural areas compared to natural ecosystems. This can lead to flooding and other hydrological changes.
forestry?
erception
increased evaporation
reduced run off and stream discharge
high interception and evaporation rate lead to rate of absorption change. Streams draining have a long lag time therefore there is a low discharge and low peak flow
compared to farmland , higher interception rate
harvest timber eg clear cutting creates sudden and temporary change to water cycle, increase run off, reduce evapotranspiration and increase stream discharge
water extraction
river kennet catchment
rates of underwater extraction have exceed rate of recharge and falling water table have reduced by 10-14%
during 2003 drought, flow decreased by 20% and in dry condition , it decreased by 40%
lower flows will reduce the flooding and temporary area of standing water and wetland. Lower ground water will cause springs and seepage to dry up and reduce the incidence of saturated overland flow
aquifers
- An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water. It typically consists of permeable materials (like sand, gravel, or rock) that can hold water and allow it to flow
- Ground water is abstracted from public supplies such as wells and boreholes
emerging in the springs and seepages (slow movement of fluid through small openings or cracks in the surface of unsaturated soil) groundwater feed river and make major contribution to the base flow
within an aquifers , upper surface of saturation is called water table, it height fluctuates and affect by seasonal rainfall, droughts and abstraction
artesian basin
- contains a confined aquifer under pressure. In an artesian basin, water is trapped between impermeable layers of rock or clay.
- When a well is drilled into an artesian aquifer, the water within can rise to the surface naturally due to the pressure, sometimes flowing freely without the need for pumping.
- Artesian basins are often associated with large-scale groundwater systems and can cover extensive areas.
aquifers examples in London
rainwater seeps into the chalk at the edges of the area and then flows toward the middle. The trapped water in the chalk can be under pressure, allowing it to rise up in wells. The combination of the chalk absorbing water and being surrounded by London and Gault clay is what makes this groundwater system work.
fossil fuel combustion
Combustion Process: When we burn fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy—such as in power plants—carbon stored in these fuels is released as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This happens during the combustion process, where fuels react with oxygen to produce energy, heat, and CO2.
Carbon Transfer:
To the Atmosphere: The CO2 emitted during combustion contributes to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which can lead to climate change.
To the Oceans: Some CO2 from the atmosphere is absorbed by oceans, leading to ocean acidification, which can harm marine life.
ccs is the technology to reduce the co2
ccs project ( carbon capture and storage )
Capture CO2: At power plants or industrial sites, CO2 produced during combustion is captured before it can enter the atmosphere. This is done using special technologies that can separate CO2 from other gases produced during the combustion process.
Compression and Transportation: After the CO2 is captured, it is compressed to reduce its volume. This makes it easier to transport. The compressed CO2 is then transported through pipelines to storage sites.
Storage: The compressed CO2 is injected into porous rock formations deep underground. These formations can hold the CO2 securely, preventing it from escaping back into the atmosphere. This storage can be permanent if done correctly.
impact of CCS
Reducing Emissions: In the USA, about 40% of CO2 emissions come from coal and gas power plants. CCS has the potential to reduce these emissions by 80-90%, making significant strides in tackling climate change.
however, big capital cost for example the Drax project cost 1 billion
use large amt of energy for example, 20 % of the power plant output is needed to compressed it
require storage
feedback loops (negative)
automatic response that disturb a system balance
negative change
when the system change and restore equilibrium
think about how it go back to balance
positive feedback
when the initial change cause increase effect
this cause this and cause this
negative feedback loop ( water cycle )
eg 1 When precipitation occurs, it fills rivers and streams and increases soil moisture.
If soil moisture levels rise too high, plants may absorb more water, increasing transpiration (the release of water vapor from plant leaves).
Increased transpiration can lower soil moisture levels, which brings the system back to balance. Thus, plant growth helps control water levels in a negative feedback loop.
eg 2 In a drainage basin, increased temperatures can enhance evapotranspiration (the sum of evaporation and transpiration).
More water vapor in the atmosphere can lead to increased cloud formation and precipitation.
If temperatures drop following increased cloud cover, this can reduce evaporation rates, bringing the system back into balance.
carbon cycle - positive feedback loops
eg 1 Climate Change and Permafrost Thawing: ( artic )
Initial Change: Rising global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions lead to the thawing of permafrost in polar regions.
Consequences: Thawing permafrost releases stored carbon in the form of CO2 and methane (a potent greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere.
Amplifying Effect: As more greenhouse gases are released, this further increases global temperatures, causing even more permafrost to thaw and release additional carbon, creating an accelerating cycle of warming and carbon release.
eg 2 Ocean Warming and Carbon Uptake:
Initial Change: Higher atmospheric CO2 levels lead to increased ocean temperatures.
Consequences: Warmer oceans can hold less CO2, which means that the oceans will absorb less carbon from the atmosphere.
Amplifying Effect: Reduced carbon uptake by the oceans leads to higher atmospheric CO2 levels, which further contributes to global warming and accelerates this feedback loop.
eg3 Forest Fires and Carbon Release:
Initial Change: Increased temperatures and prolonged droughts cause more frequent and intense forest fires.
Consequences: These fires release significant amounts of CO2 stored in trees and vegetation into the atmosphere.
Amplifying Effect: The increased CO2 levels contribute to further warming and more drought conditions, leading to even more forest fires and additional carbon emissions.
positive feedback loop change ( water cycle )
eg 1 As global temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers melt. This ice is white and reflective, meaning it helps reflect sunlight away from the Earth. When the ice melts, darker ocean or land surfaces are exposed, which absorb more heat. This additional heat accelerates further ice melting, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.
eg 2 Warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation of water, increasing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. Water vapor is a potent greenhouse gas, which can further increase temperatures, leading to even more evaporation and further increases in water vapor.
negative feedback loop
Increased Plant Growth:
Initial Change: Higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere can stimulate plant growth (a phenomenon known as CO2 fertilization).
Consequences: More plant growth leads to greater absorption of CO2 during photosynthesis, effectively removing it from the atmosphere.
Regulating Effect: This increased uptake of carbon by plants can help mitigate the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, acting as a stabilizing feedback mechanism.
increase of NPP can be observed in Amazon rainforest with lower rainfall, less cloud cover and more sunlight
diurnal changes in a carbon cycle
Variations in carbon uptake and release processes driven by sunlight and temperature shifts.
During the day, plants are actively engaged in photosynthesis, a process where they capture solar energy to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose and oxygen. This leads to a significant reduction in atmospheric CO2 levels during daylight hours.
However, once the sun sets, photosynthesis ceases, and plants, along with other organisms, continue to respire, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.
Soil respiration also contributes to this carbon release, as microbes and plant roots metabolize organic matter, particularly when temperatures are warmer during the day.
seasonal changes in the water cycle
- Seasonal changes in the water cycle are characterized by fluctuations in precipitation, evaporation, and soil moisture dynamics.
- Different seasons bring distinct patterns of rainfall, with many regions experiencing wet and dry cycles. For instance, temperate climates may face snow in winter and increased rainfall in the spring and summer, whereas tropical areas often encounter monsoon seasons producing heavy rains.
- Warmer summer months lead to higher evaporation rates from water bodies and soil, reducing water levels, while cooler winter temperatures decrease these rates.
- Additionally, spring thaw from snowmelt enhances soil moisture and promotes groundwater recharge, whereas summer dryness may lower soil moisture and impact plant growth.
effect : agricultural practice, influencing ecosystem and availability of water resources
seasonal changes in the carbon cycle
During spring and summer, longer days and warmer temperatures stimulate vigorous plant growth, leading to increased photosynthetic activity that sequesters significant amounts of atmospheric CO2.
Conversely, in autumn, many plants shed their leaves, reducing carbon uptake as photosynthesis declines and respiration takes place . Winter months see minimal plant activity, with many organisms entering dormancy, resulting in lower rates of photosynthesis.
However, soil respiration, driven by microbial activity, can remain high in warmer months, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere. Thus, the carbon cycle exhibits distinct seasonal fluxes, with net carbon uptake occurring predominantly during the growing season and a potential net release in fall and winter.
long term changes in water cycle
Earth has experienced numerous glacial and interglacial periods, significantly impacting water storage. During ice ages, large volumes of water are stored as ice in glaciers and polar ice caps, reducing sea levels and altering river flows. Conversely, during warmer interglacial periods, melting glaciers release vast quantities of freshwater, leading to rising sea levels and changes in ocean salinity and circulation.
Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns over millions of years influence soil moisture, groundwater storage, and surface water availability, which can modify ecosystems and biodiversity.
long term changes in carbon cycle?
Over millions of years, carbon has been sequestered in geological formations through processes such as the formation of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and carbonate sediments (e.g., limestone). The burial of organic materials in sedimentary rock formations creates long-term carbon stores. For example, the increase in vegetation during certain geological periods led to significant carbon accumulation in peat and coal deposits.
Conversely, during periods of volcanic activity, carbon stored in rocks can be released back into the atmosphere, affecting long-term carbon levels and climate.
The emergence of land plants over 400 million years ago increased the drawdown of atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis. Large-scale deforestation during periods of glaciation also affected carbon storage and released stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate changes.
Oceanic processes have played a vital role in the long-term carbon cycle. For instance, the development of marine organisms that build calcium carbonate shells and skeletal structures (like corals and mollusks) facilitated carbon sequestration through the biological pump. The deposition of these structures into ocean sediments has been an essential mechanism for long-term carbon storage.
interlinking of water and carbon cycle
atmosphere ( plants )
atmospheric co2 ( greenhouse effect )
plant are important store for carbon - extract water from the soil and transpire as a part of the water cycle. Water evaporate from ocean to atmosphere and co2 exchanged from the 2 store
- phytoplankton and atmosphere co2
ocean - ocean acidity
atmospheric co2 lead to acidity of the ocean
cryosphere - permafrost
melting expose land and sea surface, expose organic material to deoxidization and decomposition - increase radiation from the sun - lead to higher co2 - more greenhouse gases
- melting leads to increase surface runoff, overland flow - influencing the water cycle
increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to higher levels of dissolved CO2 in the oceans, resulting in the formation of carbonic acid and an increase in hydrogen ion concentration. This process decreases the pH of ocean waters, causing ocean acidification. As a consequence, marine ecosystems and species that rely on calcium carbonate face significant challenges, which may have profound implications for ocean health and biodiversity.
Human Activities and the Loss of Diversity?
deforestation ( amazon rainforest)
management strategies for carbon cycle?
wetland restoration
afforestation
agricultural practice
international agreement to reduce carbon emissions such as cap and trade
management strategies for water cycle?
drainage basin - most effective
