3.1.1.4 water,carbon,climate and life on earth W&C

Question 1

what process involves both water and carbon

Answer 1

photosynthesis, converts energy from sunlight into biomass but cannot occur without water

through food chains the carbon stored in plants is passed onto animals, through respiration and decomposition its returned to the atmosphere as CO2

Question 2

what does a combination of water and carbon in the atmosphere form

Answer 2

acid rain which allows chemical weathering which removes carbon from the atmosphere and helps transfer it to the hydrosphere and biosphere

Question 3

pos feedback loop in the carbon cycle

Answer 3

• high levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause global temp increase
• cause permafrost to thaw
• exposes previously frozen organic matter to decay
• decaying releases CO2 into the atmosphere
• increases greenhouse gases and thus temps

Question 4

pos feedback in the water cycle

Answer 4

• warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapour
• water vapour is a greenhouse gas
• additional warming
• increased evaporation of water from the earths surface

Question 5

neg feedback in the carbon cycle + water cycle

Answer 5

• increased CO2 in atmosphere
• increased greenhouse gas effect and warmer temps
• increased evaporation from oceans
• increased cloud coverage albedo
• decrease temps

Question 6

what are the main impacts of climate change on earth

Answer 6

• global precipitation pattern expected to change
• extreme weather events are expected to get more frequent
• agricultural productivity expected to decrease
• seas levels rise further
• plankton numbers decline

Question 7

how do we know about how the climate changes

Answer 7

ice cores taken from the Antarctic ice sheet gives data on temp and CO2 levels over an extensive period of time

Question 8

what is climate change mitigation

Answer 8

refers to the efforts to reduce or prevent emissions of greenhouse gases

Question 9

what are the 7 climate change mitigation strategies

Answer 9

Carbon capture and storage, afforestation and reducing deforestation, carbon farming, renewable energy, international agreements, carbon trading schemes and increasing energy conservation and efficiency

Question 10

what is carbon capture and storage

Answer 10

A technology that can capture up to 90% of carbon emissions produced from the burning of fossil fuels, preventing it from entering the atmosphere

Question 11

how does CCS work

Answer 11

First CO2 is captured and separated from other gases. It is then compressed and transported by pipeline or ship to a storage location

At the location it is stored deep underground in rocks several kms below the Earth’s surface.

Question 12

how does afforestation and reducing deforestation help to mitigate climate change

Answer 12

Trees act as carbon sinks, removing CO2 through photosynthesis and storing it within their biomass or the soil. Trees also release moisture into the atmosphere and help moderate the Earth’s climates

Deforestation is a major cause of emissions. A number of countries have started to tackle the issue. Since 2005 Brazil has reduced deforestation by 70% and, as a result, has reduced its carbon emissions more than any other country

Question 13

what is carbon farming

Answer 13

using farming methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and or capture and hold carbon in vegetation and soils

Question 14

what are some carbon farming methods

Answer 14

• reduced or no ploughing, avoids accelerating decomposition of organic matter
• crop rotation with pasture or cover crop increases biomass returned to the soil

Question 15

how does renewable energy help mitigate climate change

Answer 15

Governments can reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating and powering homes by increasing the availability and reducing the cost or renewable energy such as wind, solar and tidal

Question 16

what is an example of an international agreements that helps mitigate climate change

Answer 16

Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015) are international treaties to control the total amount of greenhouse gases released. Participating countries agree to keep their emissions within set limits

Question 17

what is a limitation of international agreements

Answer 17

In reality, the treaties are very hard to enforce, and limits are often exceeded.

Question 18

what are carbon trading schemes

Answer 18

These are a type of international agreement. Countries and businesses are given a limit on the emissions they can produce. If they produce less they can sell the extra credits, if they produce more they need to buy more credits

Question 19

how does increasing energy conservation and efficiency help to mitigate climate change

Answer 19

• People can choose to use their cars less and buy more energy efficient cars.
• Homes and businesses can also be made more energy efficient e.g. with double glazing, insulation and more efficient appliances