Carbon Key Words Flashcards
What is Acidification?
The gradual reduction of pH of the oceans, due to dissolving carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Acidification affects marine life and ecosystems.
Define Afforestation.
Planting trees and vegetation in the aim of increasing forest cover.
Afforestation helps combat climate change by absorbing CO2.
What is Biofuel?
Burning crops and vegetation for electricity and heat.
Biofuels are considered renewable energy sources.
Explain 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.
CCS is a technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What are Carbon Fluxes?
The movement of carbon between stores.
Carbon fluxes are essential for understanding carbon cycling.
What does Carbon Neutral mean?
A process that has no net addition of carbon dioxide to the environment.
Achieving carbon neutrality is critical for sustainability.
Identify Carbon Stores.
Places where carbon accumulates for a period of time such as rocks and plant matter.
Carbon stores play a key role in the carbon cycle.
What are Choke Points in energy logistics?
Points in the logistics of energy and fuel that are prone to restriction.
Choke points can impact energy security and supply.
Define Combustion.
The process of burning a substance, in the presence of oxygen, to release energy.
Combustion is a primary method of energy production.
What is Decomposition?
The break down of matter, often by a decomposer which releases carbon dioxide through their own respiration.
Decomposition is vital for nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
What does Energy Mix refer to?
The composition of a country’s energy sources.
A diverse energy mix enhances energy security.
Explain Energy Security.
The ownership and full control of a country’s energy source, production and transportation.
Energy security is crucial for national stability.
What is an Energy Pathway?
The movement of energy from its extraction or source, through pipes, freight logistics or cabling.
Energy pathways are essential for energy distribution.
Who are Energy Players?
Key companies and individuals who own, distribute and sell energy and energy sources.
Energy players influence market dynamics and policies.
What is the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect?
The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected into space.
This effect contributes to global warming.
Define Inorganic Carbon.
Carbon stored in carbonated rocks.
Inorganic carbon is part of the Earth’s geological carbon cycle.
What does Non-Renewable mean?
A source of energy that can only be used once to generate electricity or takes thousands of years to replace e.g. Fossil Fuels.
Non-renewable sources are finite and contribute to environmental issues.
Explain Nuclear Fusion.
The process of joining atomic nuclei together, to produce energy.
Nuclear fusion has the potential to provide a vast energy source with minimal waste.
What does OPEC stand for?
Oil and Petroleum exporting countries. An organisation that supports and coordinates fossil fuel exporting countries.
OPEC plays a significant role in global oil markets.
Define Organic Carbon.
Carbon stored in plant material and living organisms.
Organic carbon is crucial for the health of ecosystems.
What is Outgassing?
The release of dissolved carbon dioxide (e.g. at plate boundaries, warming the oceans).
Outgassing contributes to carbon cycling in the atmosphere.
Explain Photosynthesis.
The process of converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. All plants and some organisms rely on this process to survive.
Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth.
What are Phytoplankton?
Small organisms that rely on photosynthesis to survive, so intake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Phytoplankton are foundational to aquatic food webs.
Define Primary Energy.
The initial source of energy, as it is naturally found. This could be natural ores, water, crops or radioactive material.
Primary energy is essential for energy production.
