carbon cycle

Question 1

carbon cycle transfers

Answer 1

-photosynthesis
-respiration
-combustion

Question 2

photosynthesis

Answer 2

Plants convert Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere into Oxygen. This removes CO2 from the atmosphere

Question 3

respiration

Answer 3

the opposite of photosynthesis

Question 4

combustion

Answer 4

(Burning fossil fuels, wildfires etc.) - Releases CO2 into the atmosphere

Question 5

decomposition

Answer 5

When living organisms die, they are broken down by decomposers, returning CO2 into the atmosphere. Some carbon is also returned to the
soil.

Question 6

main carbon stores

Answer 6

-marine sediments
-terrestrial plants
-fossil fuel deposits

Question 7

natural processes that change the carbon cycle

Answer 7

wildfires:
Transfer carbon from biosphere to atmosphere as CO2 is released through burning.
volcanic activity:
Carbon stored within the earth is released during volcanic eruptions, mainly
as CO2 gas

Question 8

human impacts that change the carbon cycle

Answer 8

fossil fuels:
combustion transfers CO2 to the atmosphere
deforestation:
Often used to clear land for farming/housing, rapidly releases carbon stored in plants
farming:
Arable farming releases CO2 as animals respire.
Farm machinery such as tractors may release CO2.

Question 9

carbon budget

Answer 9

the balance between carbon inputs and outputs:
E.g. The carbon budget in the atmosphere has inputs from respiration and combustion,
but outputs including the oceans/photosynthesis

Question 10

the enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 10

high levels of greenhouse gases are being produced by humans, trapping radiation
from the sun, causing global warming and leading to climate change.

Question 11

Impact of the Carbon Cycle on Regional Climates

Answer 11

rainforests:
-High rates of photosynthesis and respiration in forests lead to greater humidity, cloud
cover and precipitation
-Deforestation reduces photosynthesis and respiration, further reducing humidity and
cloud cover and decreasing precipitation

Question 12

a positive feedback loop in the carbon cycle

Answer 12

Wildfires are more likely in hotter and drier climates due to global warming, which release large quantities of CO2 into atmosphere, which in turn then increases the warming effect

Question 13

globally mitigating climate change

Answer 13

Paris climate deal (CO21):
-Aim to limit global temperatures to 2°C above pre-industrial levels
-Support for developing countries
-Meet every 5 years to review and improve goals

Question 14

nationally mitigating climate change

Answer 14

climate change act 2008 UK:
Legally binding target for the UK to reduce GHG emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by
2050

Question 15

locally mitigating climate change

Answer 15

-Improving home insulation
-recycling
-smart meters