Carbon Flashcards
Define the natural carbon cycle?
The natural carbo cycle is the movement and storage of carbon between the land, ocean and atmosphere.
what are the three forms of carbon in the carbon cycle?
1) inorganic
2) organic
3) gaseous
where is inorganic carbon found?
inorganic carbon is found in rocks as bicarbonates and carbontes
where is organic carbon found?
organic carbon is found in plants and living organisms
where is gaseous carbon found?
found as co2 and ch4 (methane)
When is there not a balance between production and absorption (or sources and sinks) of carbon in the natural carbon cycle?
After a volcanic eruption
What are the 3 carbon stores?
terrestrial, oceanic and atmospheric
Define a flux?
the movement of carbon between stores
Define a carbon sink?
Any store that takes in more carbon than it emits. (tropical rainforest)
Define a carbon source?
Any store that emits more carbon than it stores. (damaged tropical rainforest)
How is carbon present in the atmosphere?
present as co2 and ch4 (methane)
How is carbon present in the hydrosphere?
present as dissolved co2
How is carbon present in the lithosphere?
present as carbonates in limestone and fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil
How is carbon present in the biosphere?
present in living and dead organisms
Define carbon sequestration?
The transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to other stores, This can be natural or artificial.
What are the main carbon stores?
1) Marine sediments and sedimentary rocks - lithosphere
2) Oceans - hydrosphere
3) Fossil fuel deposits - lithosphere
4) Soil organic matter lithosphere
5) Atmosphere - dynamic
6) Terrestrial plants - biosphere
What is the main carbon store?
Lithosphere is the main carbon store, with global stores unevenly distributed.
What processes determine how much carbon is stored and released?
Biological and chemical processes
Define acidification?
The gradual reduction of pH of the oceans, due to dissolving carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Define Afforestation?
Planting trees and vegetation in the aim of increasing forest cover.
Define Biofuel?
Burning crops and vegetation for electricity and heat.
Define carbon capture & storage (ccs) ?
The capture of carbon dioxide emissions directly from the factory, pumped into disused mines rather than being released into the atmosphere.
Define carbon neutral ?
A process that has no net addition of carbon dioxide to the environment.
Define choke points?
Points in the logistics of energy and fuel that are prone to restriction.
Define combustion?
The process of burning a substance, in the presence of oxygen, to release energy.
Define decomposition?
The break down of matter, often by a decomposer which releases carbon dioxide through their own respiration.
Define the energy mix?
The composition of a country’s energy sources.
Define Energy Security?
The ownership and full control of a country’s energy source, production and transportation.
Define Energy Pathway?
The movement of energy from its extraction or source, through pipes, freight logistics or cabling.
Define Energy Players?
Key companies and individuals who own, distribute and sell energy and energy sources.
Define the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect?
The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected into space.
Define Non-Renewable Energy?
A source of energy that can only be used once to generate electricity or takes
thousands of years to replace e.g. Fossil Fuels.
Define nuclear fusion?
The process of joining atomic nuclei together, to produce energy.
Define OPEC?
Oil and Petroleum exporting countries. An organisation that supports and coordinates fossil fuel exporting countries.
Define outgassing?
The release of dissolved carbon dioxide (e.g. at plate boundaries, warming the
oceans).
What is phytoplankton?
Small organisms that rely on photosynthesis to survive, so intake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
