carbon cycle- october

Question 1

What is photosynthesis in the carbon cycle, and how does it affect carbon levels?

Answer 1

• the process where plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose.
• removes CO₂ from the atmosphere, sequestering carbon and reducing potential climate change impacts.

Question 2

What is respiration in the carbon cycle?

Answer 2

• the process where plants and animals convert oxygen and glucose into energy, releasing CO₂ and water as waste products.
• Plants absorb more CO₂ than they emit, making them net carbon absorbers.

Question 3

how do wildfires impact the carbon cycle?

Answer 3

transfer carbon from the biosphere to the atmosphere.

Question 4

What role does volcanic activity play in the carbon cycle?

Answer 4

Volcanic eruptions release carbon stored within the earth , though they contribute a low proportion overall.

Question 5

How does fossil fuel use impact the carbon cycle?

Answer 5

fossil fuel combustion transfers CO2 from long-term carbon sinks to the atmosphere, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.

Question 6

What is the effect of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

Answer 6

Deforestation releases stored carbon

Question 7

How do farming practices impact the carbon cycle?

Answer 7

Pastoral farming releases CO2 through animal respiration, and ploughing releases CO2 from soil. Machinery like tractors also emits CO2.

Question 8

What are fluxes in the carbon cycle?

Answer 8

changes in the magnitude of carbon stores, occurring over time, and can be rapid or span thousands of years.

Question 9

Define ‘carbon budget’.

Answer 9

The balance between carbon inputs and outputs in a given carbon store.

Question 9

What is a carbon source?

Answer 9

store that emits more carbon than it absorbs, e.g., a damaged rainforest.

Question 10

What is a carbon sink?

Answer 10

A store that absorbs more carbon than it emits, e.g., a virgin rainforest.

Question 11

What is the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect?

Answer 11

the process of global warming due to high levels of greenhouse gases produced by humans, trapping solar radiation and increasing global temperatures.

Question 12

How does the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect affect the water cycle?

Answer 12

Increased global temperatures cause more evapotranspiration and could make summer storms more frequent.

Question 13

How does land use change affect the carbon cycle?

Answer 13

releases carbon annually and impacts short-term stores like soil and atmosphere, especially through deforestation and urbanization.

Question 14

What impact does urbanization have on the carbon cycle?

Answer 14

Urbanization replaces vegetation, emits CO2 from cement production, and accounts for 97% of human-caused CO2 emissions.

Question 15

How do Milankovitch Cycles relate to global warming?

Answer 15

Variations in Earth’s orbit can increase solar heating, which raises temperatures and releases CO2 from warmer oceans, amplifying warming.

Question 15

What is positive feedback in relation to Milankovitch Cycles?

Answer 15

Warming increases ocean CO2 release, which causes further temperature rises, creating a feedback loop.

Question 16

How does the carbon cycle affect tropical rainforests?

Answer 16

High photosynthesis rates lead to greater humidity and precipitation; deforestation reduces these, affecting regional climate.

Question 16

How do warmer oceans affect carbon sequestration?

Answer 16

Warmer oceans store less CO2, reducing their role as carbon sinks, which may increase the greenhouse effect.

Question 16

What is positive feedback in the carbon cycle?

Answer 16

Positive feedback amplifies processes, e.g., wildfires release CO2, which increases warming, leading to more fires.

Question 17

What is negative feedback in the carbon cycle?

Answer 17

Negative feedback counteracts processes, e.g., increased CO2 causes more photosynthesis, which reduces CO2 levels.

Question 18

What impact does land drainage have on moorlands and the carbon cycle?

Answer 18

Draining moorlands lowers the water table, increases peat decomposition, and releases CO2.

Question 18

How does restoring moorland drainage channels impact carbon storage?

Answer 18

Blocking drainage channels increases water storage, reduces CO2 release, and restores habitats.

Question 18

What is the Paris Climate Deal (COP21)?

Answer 18

An international agreement aiming to limit global temperature increases to 2°C, with regular reviews and support for developing countries.

Question 19

What is the UK Climate Change Act 2008?

Answer 19

Legally binding targets to reduce emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050

Question 20

What are some local actions to mitigate climate change?

Answer 20

• Improving home insulation
• recycling
• using public transport