Carbon Flashcards

Question

What is the biological carbon pump?

Answer 1

Phytoplankton

Answer 2

The shells and skeletons of dead organisms that sink and compact at the bottom of the ocean into sedimentary rocks and return some carbon to the atmosphere

Answer 3

Plants in land based ecosystems that use and store the suns energy to change CO2 and water into carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis which allows the plants to grow Primary producers also absorb CO2 from the atmosphere especially during the growing season and daylight hours

Answer 4

During the conversion of carbohydrates into energy , respiration takes place and some water and CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. However, overall all plants absorb more than they release

Answer 5

Yes - during the northern hemispheres growing season, in spring and summer months, there are lower atmospheric co2 concentrations and during winter, concentrations increase because plants are dormant

Answer 6

Tropical rainforests have a much higher global productivity than any other biome with 1/3 of all global productivity This biome takes 4x more co2 from the atmosphere than the next more productive biome

Answer 7

Glucose + oxygen = carbon dioxide + water + energy

Answer 8

Animals are known as consumers because they use oxygen produced by plants during aerobic respiration and eat plant carbohydrates. As part of this process they refine carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

Answer 9

Herbivores

Answer 10

Energy is passed from one consumer to another through food chains, like from a herbivore to a carnivore. In this way carbon is passed up the tropic levels throughout the food web.

Answer 11

Plant litter decomposes ⬇️ Soil biota digest dead plant material and release nutrients like carbon (some co2 is emitted to the atmosphere at this stage) ⬇️ Higher humus content in soil means more carbon is stored ⬇️ Some carbon is transported by leaching through flow and groundwater flow

Answer 12

Two linked to the carbon cycle - carbon dioxide and methane One linked to the nitrogen cycle - nitrous oxide

Answer 13

They are denser than other gases in the earths atmosphere so they have the ability to trap heat and energy in the earths atmosphere

Answer 14

Scientific research of ice core samples in Antarctica shows that over geological time the earths average temperature has changed with the changes in concentration of atmospheric carbon

Answer 15

Heat energy from the sun heats the planet but without greenhouse gases this would not be enough to support life. The heat energy that is reflected back towards space from the earths surface and lower atmosphere has a relatively long wavelength so it has difficulty travelling through denser gasses and is absorbed by them. Basically this means that greenhouse gases trap heat and recycle it meaning earth stays warm. When there is too many greenhouses gases this works overtime which makes the earth warmer and warmer. Without the natural greenhouse effect the earth would be 21° cooler

Answer 16

Greenhouse gases regulate the atmosphere but human interference can mean too much carbon is released from things like fossil fuels which can alter the balance

Answer 17

Photosynthesis can take place on land (terrestrial) and in the ocean where there are plants (like a rainforest or phytoplankton in the sea) Photosynthesis regulates the composition of the atmosphere by balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide

Answer 18

Some carbon is returned to soils by dead plant material being decomposed. In this way carbon is stored in organic matter (humus) that is mixed with soil. This is important for soil health, as organic matter helps retain soil moisture and nutrients, which in turn improves the productivity of an ecosystem by providing water and dissolved nutrients for plants to absorb through their roots to grow.

Answer 19

The Industrial Revolution in Europe began the large scale burning of fossil fuels for power stations, industry and machinery. Compared to the natural carbon cycle, this happened very fast. Atmospheric CO2 levels are now higher than at any time in the past 800,000 years so temperatures are increasing more and more

Answer 20

Temperate and tropical areas may have stronger storms because of more heat energy and moisture in the atmosphere There are fewer extremely cold events but more extremely hot ones due to average temperature increase Biggest increases in average temperature will be in the arctic as more heat begins to be transferred from the tropics Precipitation patterns will also change, higher near the poles and decreasing in the subtropics as warmer air can hold more moisture.

Answer 21

10% of land based species will face extinction due to an inability to adapt or move when the climate change conditions they have adapted to change > highest risk in polar areas 80% of coral reefs could be bleached by warmer temperatures and chemical weathering as oceans become more acidic Disease and pests will increase as they thrive in warmer conditions and are not killed by cold winters Biodiversity will reduce as habitats shift towards poles or into deeper ocean waters, changing food webs

Answer 22

Shift of subtropical high pressure areas towards poles will increase drought conditions in the Mediterranean Permafrost will melt adding more water to arctic rivers and streams River discharge will decrease in areas with lower precipitation and lower effective precipitation (where evaporation rates increase) Cryosphere stores will decrease as glaciers retreat or ice sheets have surface ablation; this will also decrease river discharge at first and then decrease them

Answer 23

World average use of energy per capita increased by 17.5% between 2000 and 2014 > It is highest in developed countries and those with significant oil reserves > It is lowest in developing countries and rapidly increasing in economically emerging countries > it is increasing quickest in developed countries

Answer 24

In terms of GDP wealth generated per unit of energy world average shows an increase in efficiency of about 22% between 2000 and 2014 > this means it’s taking less energy to produce wealth

Answer 25

Developed and economically emerging countries have a higher efficiency and are improving the most (UK 57%) Developing countries have lower efficiency and are improving less (DRC about 4%)

Answer 26

Saudi Arabia had a 20% increase in efficiency between 2000 and 2014 because of economic expansion and broadening their base

Answer 27

Natural energy resources that have not been converted into another form of energy; this is most types of energy from fossil fuels to renewables

Answer 28

A form of energy that has been created from a primary resource > this is usually electricity

Answer 29

The proportion of each type of energy a country uses each year

Answer 30

Non-renewable fossil fuels > most developed countries are reducing their use (decarbonisation) and increasing renewables

Answer 31

They are still developing and can be an expensive upfront cost so poorer countries often use small proportions as part of their energy mix

Answer 32

Oil use is slowing down (-61% by 2040), coal is being replaced (-72% by 2040), nuclear remains quite uncertain Renewables are growing (+95% by 2040) as costs decline and electrical energy use is also increasing

Answer 33

Imported energy > in 2014 China imported 15% of the energy they used > in 2015 Belgium imported 80% A lot of countries use this as well as their domestic supplies however, geopolitical tensions could create difficulties

Answer 34

Long term geological processes > fossil fuels are very valuable when sold to another country but can also be used to develop the economy domestically

Answer 35

Climate and geological conditions affects the availability of some energy resources > clear skies for solar, wind for wind power, rivers and and deep valleys for reservoirs for HEP

Answer 36

They may have the right geological or climatic conditions that provide an energy resource but not the technological ability to extract and develop it Many developing countries lack the necessary investment for infrastructure without external assistance > in Ghana electricity grids and economic challenges limit their use of solar energy Countries with low levels of development also do not have a lot of demand for energy so there’s no inventive for government or FDI

Answer 37

Costs of developing any energy resource are high at all stages from extraction to production and sale. Coats are inevitably passed on to the consumer who may not be able to afford them. > wealthier people tend do consume more energy People have different perceptions of their energy needs based on lifestyle > travel patterns, quality of life, needs like heating or air conditioning etc

Answer 38

Some countries - like Russia, the USA and Nigeria - see nature as a provider of resources Others are more concerned with the serous damage that can be caused by extracting energy resources, like fracking Climate change concerns have led to decarbonisation like using less coal and oil

Answer 39

Nuclear radiations and explosions have led to a reevaluation of this energy resource in Japan, Germany, Belgium and France

Answer 40

Denmark: Half of electricity from wind power in 2020 No power from coal by 2030 All electricity and heat from renewables by 2035 Fossil fuel free by 2050 USA: achieve energy independence from imports Expand production and develop unconventional natural gas Increase renewable energy sources Minimise emissions reduction targets

Answer 41

Provide investment for exploration and extraction of resources

Answer 42

14 members including the UAE and Nigeria > influences the supply and price of oil by controlling production > consumers influence supply by the demand they create but may also influence the energy mix by voicing environmental concerns

Answer 43

Provide legislation on emission levels and costs for consumers, gain taxes and also act to protect energy pathways too and from the country

Answer 44

The location of fossil fuels is based on geological processes - 48% of the worlds oil reserves are in the Middle East Consumption is often greatest where there is the most industrial activity (like in China and the USA) The location of fossil fuel supply and demand often don’t line up

Answer 45

The ways oil and natural gas are transported from where they are extracted to the consumer > oil and natural gas can be transported easily by pipeline or tanker ships

Answer 46

These pathways are not always secure and political decisions can reduce or stop supplies - internal problems - wars between countries - sanctions - OPEC reducing global production - one country choosing to stop supplying another - issues like terrorism and piracy (42 tankers were attacked by pirates in 2017) - leaking pipelines - resources running out (North Sea) - a sudden increase in demand from a country so that supplies are diverted

Answer 47

Russia is a big producer and exporter of energy In 2018, Russia and countries bordering the caspian see agreed to divide up the seabed, providing more oil and gas production within pipeline reach of Europe. Russia has several pipelines to Europe like the Nord stream under the Baltic Sea) Since Russia invaded crimea and then Ukraine, international sanctions have been in place but due to demand some countries like Germany have wanted to have a more secure supply meaning there have been changes to their energy mix. This means the pipelines are becoming more controversial. - increasing dependence on Russian supplies - threat to the national security of Baltic countries - affect supplies to Ukraine - overlook Russian policy to destabilise Europe

Answer 48

Those that are not easily accessible: - oil from rocks underneath deep water - oil and gas trapped in pore spaces within rocks rather than in a large reservoir of oil or gas such as oil shale (USA), tar sands (Canada) and shale gas (China)

Answer 49

High costs for new technologies to access these resources Many of these resources are in a fragile environmental area and spills will damage them There are uncertainties about the safety for people and the environment of new technologies and methods of extraction Greenhouse gas emissions will continue, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere Extraction of oil requires a huge amount of energy, leaves open scars in the landscape, removes natural vegetation, causes water contamination and infringes on the rights of local people Extraction of gas by fracking lowers local water levels, contaminates water with chemicals and can cause ground movements like mini earthquakes

Answer 50

As conventional fossil fuel resources run out, these resources can replace them where users currently need fossil fuels These are very large reserves that could be developed to extending the possibility of a diversified energy mix They are very valuable resources and provide jobs and money, especially in remote communities and tax money for governments.

Answer 51

An energy source that is replaced rapidly from an existing constant natural process, such as energy from the sun or the wind

Answer 52

An energy resource that can be reused once people or nature have processed it, like HEP

Answer 53

Coal and then oil supported the economic development of industrialised countries and as usage increased, so did wealth. Recently fossil fuels have been used more efficiently but wealth has continued to increase. There are also early signs that as fossil fuels are replaced, economic development continues

Answer 54

Needs investment into new technologies Electricity costs per unit may be higher than from conventional sources Dependence on fossil fuels is only reduced if they are directly substituted

Answer 55

Nuclear produces radioactive waste Solar may take up farmland, reducing land for food production

Answer 56

Solar and wind need large spaces which can spoil scenery Nuclear produces radioactivity

Answer 57

Difficult to store for later use Solar and wind are climate dependent

Answer 58

Can be used at scales suitable for developing countries and households Low maintenance cost when running Cheap costs once economies of scale reached Reduced dependence on fossil fuels for electricity production

Answer 59

Solar and wind: Safe and clean resources Can be used by individual households (solar panels on roof)

Answer 60

No greenhouse gas emissions when operational No air pollution

Answer 61

Electricity produced can be used or transmitted by existing systems

Answer 62

1997-2017: More oil used Marginally more natural gas used Much more bio energy used more wind, solar and HEP Much less coal used Marginally less nuclear used

Answer 63

CO2 emissions are collected and pumped into long term storage rocks, reducing emissions by up to 75% This is suitable for fixed points like power stations Does not solve the issue of transport emissions Concerns exist about increasing the pressure in rocks creating small earthquakes and potentially leakages affecting human health, ecosystems or the water table

Answer 64

Fuel cells used to power things like cars with the only biproduxt being water Not a primary energy source more a method of storing energy Hydrogen is available from several sources A lot of energy is needed to extract hydrogen from its sources (this emits greenhouse gases)

Answer 65

Cars powered by electric batteries rather than combustion engines Emissions depend on vechile manufacturing processes and how the electricity for the vehicle is produced On average there is a 70% reduction in emissions to petrol cars

Answer 66

Crops that are turned into energy by being burnt. These include Sugar cane for ethanol Miscanthus grass to create heat Rapeseed oil for biodiesel They can replace some fossil fuels whilst also absorbing carbon from the atmosphere during growth. Cultivating marginal areas could also stress the natural environment Large scale cultivation can change carbon fluxes between soil, vegetation and atmosphere and reduce food production and water availability for people if irrigation is used. In some countries there may be forced changes in land ownership, taking it away from small farmers and reducing income for disadvantaged groups Deforestation may take place for biofuel crops to be grown which decreases overall CO2 absorption

Answer 67

Brazil is the world’s largest producer of ethanol from sugar cane. Most cars and light vehicles in Brazil run on ethanol petrol. This is a big business and generates $50bn a year as well as 1.34 jobs. Ethanol production is expanding despite changes in govt policy. The waste from this process is now also used to generate electricity. Sugar cane provides more energy than is input and has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 90%

Answer 68

Farming efficiency improves due to technology, reducing the area of farmland needed⤵️ More resources needed (fuels and timber) and a greater demand for meat (food consumption increased by about 9% between 1990 and 2015). More machinery is developed to extract resources ⤵️ Natural areas converted to farmland and poorer people use biomass for energy ⤵️ Deforestation begins to grow availible farmland as well as extract resources (tropical rainforests decreased by 10% between 1990 and 2015) ⤵️ Livestock farming and cash crops production increases ⤵️ Slash and burn clearance releases carbon and overuse of grasslands creates desertification ⤵️ Tropical rainforests become less of an effective biome at storing carbon and livestock farming drives up methane emissions ⤵️ Reduced photosynthesis ⤵️ Bare soils are eroded and runoff increases so soils get drier with reduced organic matter and are unable to store carbon ⤵️ Reduced EVT rates create drier climates stressing the trees ⤵️ Trees die, rescuing litter for decomposition and organic carbon store and soils become drier and less able to store carbon ⤵️ Environmental concerns lead to reforestation and afforestation

Answer 69

Afforestation is planting trees where there didn’t used to be any, reforestation is planting trees where there did used to be some

Answer 70

Enhanced greenhouse effect leads to warmer global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns ⤵️ World climate zones and biomes shift towards the poles or at higher altitudes or expand or shrink ⤵️ Climates tipping points reached where regional climate change is permanent and some areas become drier and begin to experience mega droughts ⤵️ Deforestation is responsible for 8% of anthropogenic emissions and forest degradation 9% ⤵️ Trees will die back in forested areas due to disease, pests, lack of water and wildfires ⤵️ Savannah grasslands will invade tropical rainforest areas changing photosynthesis and soil carbon storage levels ⤵️ Reduction in carbon storage as tropical and subtropical forests store twice as much as tropical and subtropical grasslands ⤵️ Tropical rainforests are a huge carbon store: 50% in biomass, 32% in soil, and 12% in litter. Overall change in soil organic store too.

Answer 71

1994 to 2014 East Asia and the pacific ↪️-2.3% farmland, +0.6% forest Europe and Central Asia ↪️ -1.1% farmland, +0.6% forest Latin American and the Caribbean ↪️+3% farmland, -3.8% forest

Answer 72

There is diffusion between the sea surface and the atmosphere. Within this process, oceans absorb more co2 from the atmosphere than they give to it. As CO2 levels in the atmosphere have increased due to emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, the oceans have absorbed more (about 30% according to the IPCC) Water and carbon dioxide create a weak carbonic acid which has the ability to dissolve calcium carbonate, the mineral forming limestone rocks and shells of sea creatures, including coral reefs Ocean acidity has increased 26% since the 19th century, especially in the North Atlantic

Answer 73

They are a very productive eco system in shallow water that have a living layer on top of a hard calcium carbonate skeleton. They ate important for biodiversity as well as the services they provide like protecting coastlines from storms as well as fish and tourism

Answer 74

Carbonic acid dissolves the calcium carbonate that makes up the base of the reef breaking it up and reducing the rate of reef building so that coral polyps have nowhere to live. Biodiversity will then be lost due to disruption of food chains and the delicate balance within the ecosystem.

Answer 75

Changes like global warming, sea level rises, changing salinity

Answer 76

Higher levels of acidity affect the ability of marine organisms to build shells and skeletons which creates thinner or smaller shells Also decreases the availability of minerals for marine life, and CO2 concentrations in fish, squid and mussels may increase The size and volume of Atlantic cod may also greatly reduce, larval oysters in the NE pacific may die off and algae and barnicles may take over habitats Acidification is happening so quickly that large marine life may not be able to adapt quick enough but organisms like phytoplankton should

Answer 77

Forests are important for: - storing carbon - providing carbon - balancing the water cycle through interception and absorption - influencing local climate through EVT - nutrient cycling maintaining soil health - supporting the greatest terrestrial biodiversity

Answer 78

Wood fuel in developing and emerging countries Timber in all types of country contributes $600bn to global GDP, important in eloping countries for employment Non-wood forestry products like foods are also important in countries with primary economies Plantations provide commercial forest products like fruits, palm oil and cocoa which provide income to developing and emerging countries

Answer 79

Carbon capture and storage Hydrogen fuel cells Electric vechiles