Balanced Carbon Cycle

Question 1

what is the greenhouse effect

Answer 1

warming of the atmosphere as gases like co2 absorb heat energy and are trapped in the ozone layer

Question 2

natural greenhouse effect

Answer 2

solar radiation absorbed by dark surfaces and radiated back as heat. Greenhouse gases maintain safe temperature levels so life on earth can be sustained.

Question 3

how does phytoplankton play a significant role in the carbon cycle?

Answer 3

sequester co2 through photosynthesis - pumps carbon out of the atmosphere into the ocean

Question 4

how does melting ice affect phytoplankton?

Answer 4

melting ice means they are exposed to more sunlight promoting more photosynthesis - meaning more carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere

Question 5

what is equilibrium?

Answer 5

when the amount of carbon being removed from the atmosphere is the same as the amount being released into the atmosphere

Question 6

what are the negative implications of arctic amplification?

Answer 6

ice contains trapped greenhouse gases and therefore when melted, these gases are released into the atmosphere. Therefore, leading to increased global temperatures