Carbon cycle stores

Question 1

Why is carbon important in the lithosphere?

Answer 1

Carbon in the form of of organic matter such as litter-fall makes soil fertile which supports plant growth.
Also provides energy in the form of wood and fuels so indirectly supports industrial processes.

Question 2

Why is carbon important in the hydrosphere?

Answer 2

Carbon enables phytoplankton to photosynthesis, these are at the bottom of the food chain so hare vital for ocean life.
Can also be converted into calcium carbonate which is used by marine animals to make shells.

Question 3

Why is carbon important in the Biosphere?

Answer 3

Plants take in CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, animals also obtain carbon through eating plants and other animals.
Its released back into the atmosphere through respiration and decomposition.

Question 4

Why is carbon important in the atmosphere?

Answer 4

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas which helps to warm the earth by 23 degrees. If this did not happen there is unlikely to be life.
Human activities release additional carbon which is causing the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Question 5

The carbon cycle, closed or open systems?

Answer 5

The carbon cycle on a global scale is a closed system while the carbon cycle on a local scale is an open system.

Question 6

How is carbon stored?

Answer 6

Some parts of the planet store more carbon than others:

• Lithosphere- 71%
• Hydrosphere- 27%
• Biosphere- 1.4%
• Atmosphere- 0.5%

Less than 2% in the biosphere and atmosphere (this is increasing)