1.c Processes of the carbon cycle

Question 1

precipitation

Answer 1

• atmospheric c02 dissolves in rainwater to from weak carbonic acid (acid rain)
• increase in acidity of oceans

Question 2

photosynthesis

Answer 2

• influx of carbon from the atmosphere to biosphere (plants and phytoplankton)
• needed for growth and reproduction an other life processes

Question 3

weathering

Answer 3

• break down of rocks t the earths surface b either biological, chemical or physical processes
• e.g carbonation and freeze thaw

Question 4

respiration

Answer 4

• products of photosynthesis are converted into co2 and water
• most important process in fast carbon cycle

Question 5

decomposition

Answer 5

• break down organic matter
• by bacteria or fungi
• fastest in warm, humid conditions (tropical rainforest)

Question 6

combustion

Answer 6

• organic material reacts or burns in the presence of oxygen
• result of human activities (fossil fuels)

Question 7

carbon sequestration (physical pump)

Answer 7

• mixing for surface and deep ocean currents (downwelling)
• moves to cooler parts and sinks (polewards)
• creates even distribution globally
• upwelling occurs to move the co2 to the surface and back into the atmosphere

Question 8

carbon sequestration (biological pump)

Answer 8

• moved between ocean and atmosphere by marine organisms
• e.g phytoplankton
• ends up in ocean sediments

Question 9

carbon sequestration (vegetation)

Answer 9

• trees contain large stores of carbon
• especially in trunk
• locked away for decades