Carbon Knowledge Flashcards
1
Q
What is the natural carbon cycle?
A
The movement and storage of carbon between the land, ocean, and the atmosphere.
2
Q
What are the three forms of carbon in the Carbon Cycle?
A
- Inorganic - Found in rocks as bicarbonates and carbonates
- Organic - Found in plant material and living organisms
- Gaseous - Found as CO2 and CH4 (methane)
3
Q
What is generally balanced in the natural carbon cycle?
A
Production and absorption (or sources and sinks) of carbon.
4
Q
What can delay the equilibrium in the carbon cycle?
A
Events such as a volcanic eruption.
5
Q
What is a carbon sink?
A
Any store which takes in more carbon than it emits.
6
Q
Give an example of a carbon sink.
A
An intact tropical rainforest.
7
Q
What is a carbon source?
A
Any store that emits more carbon than it stores.
8
Q
Give an example of a carbon source.
A
A damaged tropical rainforest.
9
Q
Where is carbon present in the atmosphere?
A
As CO2 and methane.
10
Q
Where is carbon found in the hydrosphere?
A
As dissolved CO2.
11
Q
Where is carbon found in the lithosphere?
A
As carbonates in limestone and fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil.
12
Q
Where is carbon found in the biosphere?
A
In living and dead organisms.
13
Q
What are stores in the carbon cycle?
A
Terrestrial, oceanic, or atmospheric.
14
Q
What are fluxes in the carbon cycle?
A
The movement/transfer of carbon between stores.
15
Q
Fill in the blank: CO2 combines with rain to form _______.
A
carbonic acid
16
Q
What happens when carbonic acid reacts with rocks?
A
It contributes to the loss of CO2 to air via calcium carbonate deposition.
17
Q
How is carbon released into the atmosphere?
A
By volcanism and by the metamorphism of carbonate-rich rocks.
18
Q
What forms limestone when animals die?
A
Their shells.
19
Q
What geological processes involve carbon deposition?
A
- Calcium carbonate and organic matter deposition
- Formation of sandstone and shales on the sea floor
20
Q
What forms from decaying vegetation?
A
Coal.
21
Q
What is subduction in the context of the carbon cycle?
A
The process involving shales, sands, and carbonate rocks.
22
Q
What is Carbon Sequestration?
A
The transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to other stores, which can be both natural and artificial.
For example, a plant sequesters carbon when it photosynthesises and stores the carbon in its mass.
23
Q
What is the largest carbon store and its estimated carbon content?
A
Marine Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks, containing 66,000 - 100,000 million billion metric tons of carbon.
This store is part of the lithosphere and is considered long-term.
24
Q
What is the second largest carbon store and its estimated carbon content?
A
Oceans, containing 38,000 billion metric tons of carbon.
This store is part of the hydrosphere and is dynamic.
25
What are Fossil Fuel Deposits and their carbon content?
Fossil Fuel Deposits, containing 4000 billion metric tons of carbon.
## Footnote
These are part of the lithosphere and are long-term but currently dynamic due to human exploitation.
26
How long can Soil Organic Matter store carbon and how much does it contain?
Soil Organic Matter can store carbon for over a hundred years, containing 1500 billion metric tons of carbon.
## Footnote
This store is affected by deforestation, agriculture, and land use change.
27
What has caused the increase in CO2 levels in the atmosphere?
Human activity, which has increased CO2 levels by around 40% since the industrial revolution.
## Footnote
The atmosphere currently stores 750 billion metric tons of carbon.
28
What is the carbon storage in Terrestrial Plants?
Terrestrial Plants store 560 billion metric tons of carbon.
## Footnote
This store is part of the biosphere, is mid-term but very dynamic, and is vulnerable to climate change and deforestation.
29
What is the main store of carbon?
The lithosphere.
## Footnote
Global stores are unevenly distributed, with oceans larger in the southern hemisphere and biosphere storage mostly occurring on land.
30
Where is terrestrial plant carbon storage primarily focused?
In the tropics and the northern hemisphere.
## Footnote
This emphasizes the uneven distribution of carbon storage globally.
31
What drives changes in the carbon cycle over time?
Transfers in the carbon cycle
32
What processes determine how much carbon is stored and released?
Biological and chemical processes
33
What is the role of living organisms in the carbon cycle?
Maintaining the system running efficiently
34
What is photosynthesis?
The process where living organisms convert Carbon Dioxide and Water into Oxygen and Glucose using Light Energy
35
What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon Dioxide + Water → Light Energy → Oxygen + Glucose
36
What occurs during respiration?
Plants and animals convert oxygen and glucose into energy, producing water and Carbon Dioxide as waste
37
During the day, what is the net effect of plants on Carbon Dioxide?
Plants absorb more CO2 than they emit
38
What happens to plants at night regarding photosynthesis and respiration?
They do not photosynthesise but respire, releasing more CO2 than they absorb
39
What is combustion in the context of the carbon cycle?
Burning fossil fuels and organic matter, which emits CO2 into the atmosphere
40
What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?
They break down dead organisms, returning CO2 to the atmosphere
41
What is the impact of diffusion on the carbon cycle?
Oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, increasing ocean acidity
42
What is sedimentation in relation to carbon?
The process where organic matter compacts to form fossil fuel deposits or limestone
43
How does weathering and erosion contribute to the carbon cycle?
Inorganic carbon is released slowly through the erosion of rocks
44
What is metamorphosis in the context of carbon?
The formation of metamorphic rock, during which some carbon is released
45
What occurs during volcanic outgassing?
Release of CO2 from pockets in the Earth's crust during eruptions
46
What is the quickest cycle in the carbon cycle?
The cycle completed in seconds as plants absorb carbon for photosynthesis
47
How long can dead organic material hold carbon?
For hundreds of years
48
What is ocean sequestration?
The transfer of CO2 into the sea
49
What percentage more carbon do oceans store compared to the atmosphere?
50 times more
50
What role do phytoplankton play in the carbon cycle?
They photosynthesise, contributing to primary production and forming the base of the marine food web
51
What happens to carbon when phytoplankton die?
Their shells may dissolve, and carbon becomes part of deep ocean currents
52
What is the physical pump in the ocean?
Oceanic circulation that enables carbon storage by moving surface water to the deep ocean
53
How does temperature affect CO2 absorption in oceans?
Colder water absorbs more CO2
54
What is thermohaline circulation?
An ocean current that produces vertical and horizontal circulation of cold and warm water
55
How long does it take for a cubic metre of water to travel the entire thermohaline system?
Around 1000 years
56
What is the net primary productivity (NPP) of forests?
The amount of carbon absorbed by forests
57
What trend has been observed in forest carbon stocks in tropical areas?
Decline in carbon stocks of around 5 Gigatons of Carbon in the last 25 years
58
Which countries have seen increases in carbon sequestration?
Russia, USA, and China
59
What is the relationship between vegetation growth and carbon sequestration?
Vegetation growth depends on water, nutrients, and sunlight
60
How does decomposition vary in different climates?
Faster in tropical climates with high rainfall, temperatures, and oxygen levels
61
Fill in the blank: 95% of a tree's biomass consists of _______.
CO2
62
What is the expected trend for forests in industrialised regions by 2050?
Increase in carbon sequestration
63
What is the impact of climate change on ocean temperatures?
Increased temperatures may lead to less CO2 absorption and potential emissions
64
What percentage of the world's carbon is stored in soils?
20-30%
65
What is the role of soil microbes in carbon cycling?
They break down plants and release carbon to the atmosphere.
66
What is Humus and what percentage of it contains carbon?
Humus is a dark and rich organic matter in soil, containing 60% carbon.
67
List three factors affecting soil capacity to store organic carbon.
* Climate
* Soil type
* Use of soils
68
True or False: Decomposition occurs at a slower rate in places with higher temperatures and rainfall.
False
69
What percentage of carbon is reflected by clouds and gases in the atmosphere?
31%
70
What is the main driver of Earth's climate?
Incoming shortwave solar radiation.
71
How much carbon has burning fossil fuels added to the atmosphere?
More than 180 Gt.
72
What is the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect?
The increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the 1750s due to human activities.
73
Fill in the blank: Deforestation accounts for about ______ of all global greenhouse emissions.
20%
74
What are the implications of the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect on precipitation in Northern Europe?
Annual precipitation is expected to increase.
75
What is the Albedo Effect?
It determines how much solar radiation is reflected or absorbed by surfaces.
76
True or False: Urban areas occupy 2% of the world's land mass but account for 97% of human-caused global CO2 emissions.
True
77
What are the two biomes most at risk from global warming?
* Arctic
* Coral ecosystems
78
What is maximum energy security?
The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
79
List the four aspects of energy supply.
* Availability
* Accessibility
* Affordability
* Reliability
80
Fill in the blank: The Arctic region is warming ______ times faster than the global average.
twice
81
What human activity accounts for about 10% of carbon release annually?
Land Use Change.
82
What are the expected climate changes in Southern Europe due to rising CO2 levels?
Average temperatures are expected to increase.
83
What is one potential solution to reduce methane emissions from cattle?
Feeding cows different foods.
84
What is one effect of increased evaporation rates on the hydrological cycle?
More moisture being held in the atmosphere.
85
What is the significance of energy security for a country?
It is crucial for the functioning of the economy and essential services.
86
What is energy consumption usually measured per capita in?
Equivalent kilograms of oil per year (Kgoe/yr), Gigajoules per year (GJ/yr), Megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr)
## Footnote
These measures help quantify energy usage on an individual basis.
87
What does energy intensity measure?
How efficiently a country is using its energy, in units of energy used per unit of GDP.
## Footnote
A high energy intensity indicates a high cost of converting energy into GDP.
88
What is the energy mix?
The range and proportion of energy produced by different methods of production.
## Footnote
This includes non-renewable fossil fuels, recyclable fuels, and renewable energy sources.
89
What percentage of global energy production does coal account for?
27%
## Footnote
Usage is decreasing as countries shift to less polluting energy sources.
90
What percentage of global energy production does petroleum (oil) account for?
32%
## Footnote
Usage continues to increase due to rising global energy demand.
91
What is the carbon emission comparison of natural gas to coal?
Natural gas has only 50% of the carbon emissions of coal.
## Footnote
It accounts for 22% of global energy production.
92
What percentage of global energy production does uranium account for?
Around 4%
## Footnote
It has a very low carbon footprint and is primarily produced in Kazakhstan.
93
What are the main renewable energy sources mentioned?
* Wind
* Solar
* Geothermal
* Hydroelectric Power
* Biomass
## Footnote
These sources are increasingly important in the global energy mix.
94
True or False: Hydropower accounts for a large percentage of global energy production.
False
## Footnote
Hydropower is efficient but currently accounts for a small percentage of global energy production.
95
What are key players in the energy sector responsible for?
* Exploring and exploiting energy resources
* Owning supply lines
* Investing in distribution and processing of raw materials
## Footnote
These players respond to market conditions to increase profits.
96
What is OPEC?
An intergovernmental organization (IGO) of oil-exporting countries that controls 81% of the world's discovered oil reserves.
## Footnote
OPEC aims to stabilize oil markets and ensure a steady income for producers.
97
What is one challenge faced by national governments in securing energy supplies?
Regulating the role of private companies while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
## Footnote
Governments also aim to decrease CO2 emissions.
98
How do consumers influence energy markets?
By creating demand based on purchasing choices, often influenced by price and environmental considerations.
## Footnote
Changes in consumer habits can encourage companies to offer greener energy options.
99
Fill in the blank: Energy is produced in areas where the physical geography is _______.
[suitable]
## Footnote
This affects the location of energy production facilities.
100
What are choke points in the context of energy pathways?
Key points in the logistics of energy transportation that can easily be disrupted.
## Footnote
Examples include strategic locations like the Strait of Hormuz.
101
What happens when political conflicts arise in energy supply chains?
They can destroy infrastructure and restrict the flow of energy.
## Footnote
Military conflict can severely limit energy security.
102
What is the expected trend for solar energy usage?
Increasing rapidly year on year as technologies become cheaper.
## Footnote
China has the largest installed capacity for solar energy.
103
What role do TNCs play in the energy sector?
They invest in large-scale projects and can bypass political tensions.
## Footnote
TNCs often have more economic power than small countries.
104
What is the significance of energy pathways?
They are methods of transporting energy between countries that influence global politics.
## Footnote
Pipelines, tankers, and electricity distribution can all be pathways.
105
What is one way disagreements between nations can limit energy security?
Political sanctions against major suppliers like Russia can cause shortages in electricity.
106
What are alternative energy sources aiming to achieve?
Increase supply of fossil fuels and reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.
107
What is Shale Gas and how is it extracted?
Extracted through fracking, which involves pumping water, chemicals, and sand into the ground.
108
List some advantages of fracking.
* Less polluting than coal or oil
* Could provide a boost to the economy
* Believed to be made safe by the Royal Academy of Engineers in the UK
109
What are some disadvantages of fracking?
* Wastewater needs treating
* May pollute groundwater aquifers
* Can trigger minor earthquakes
110
What is Deep-Water Oil and what are its risks?
Oil extracted from deeper depths faces larger risks during extraction and potential oil spills.
111
What are some advantages of extracting shale gas?
* Produces half the emissions of coal
* Can drop electricity prices
* Improves the US economy
112
What are the environmental concerns associated with Tar Sands?
* Water and energy intensive extraction
* Produces large volumes of waste
* Destroys habitats due to open mining
113
What is the role of renewable energy in the future energy mix?
It has a low carbon footprint and is becoming more efficient.
114
List examples of renewable energy technologies.
* Solar: Concentrated Solar Power
* Wind: Larger Blades
* Wave: Eco Wave Power
* Tidal: MeyGen Tidal Stream Project
* Geothermal: Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
115
Fill in the blank: Solar power is _______.
Panels that convert the sun's energy into electricity
116
What are some disadvantages of wind power?
* Affects bird life
* Weather dependent
117
True or False: Not all renewable energy sources provide the same amount of energy.
True
118
What are the risks associated with nuclear power?
* Nuclear disasters could occur
* Radioactive waste disposal is challenging
119
List advantages of nuclear power.
* Very low carbon footprint
* High efficiency
* Safety is improving
120
What are some disadvantages of biofuels?
* Takes land from food production
* Requires fertilizers and pesticides
* Loss of carbon sinks due to deforestation
121
What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
A strategy to capture CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations and store them underground.
122
What is the purpose of hydrogen fuel cells?
To convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity, producing pure water as a by-product.
123
What percentage of the Earth's land area is covered by forests?
30%
124
What is the impact of losing trees on weather patterns?
It can lead to more intense flooding and droughts.
125
How much forested land was cleared by 2015?
30% of all global forests.
126
What is the annual loss of forest area?
Around 13 million hectares.
127
What happens to surface runoff when forest cover decreases?
There is more surface runoff and shorter lag time.
128
What are the consequences of shorter lag time in the water cycle?
Increased flooding risk.
129
What is one impact of deforestation on soil?
More soil erosion due to lack of tree roots.
130
What is the effect of deforestation on carbon storage?
Reduction in carbon stored in the biosphere.
131
Which regions have experienced significant deforestation?
* UK and USA (90% lost by 19th century)* * Russia and Canada (boreal forests threatened)* * Africa and South America (halved since 1960s)* * Indonesia (deforestation for palm oil plantations)
132
How many people depend on forests for their livelihood?
Over 1.6 billion people.
133
What are the two main types of grassland?
* Temperate grasslands (no trees)* * Tropical grasslands or Savannas (have trees but infertile soil)
134
What role do grasslands play in the ecosystem?
* Traps moisture and floodwater* * Absorb toxins from soil* * Provide cover for dry soils* * Provide habitats for wildlife* * Act as a carbon sink
135
What is the impact of converting grasslands into agricultural farms on CO2 emissions?
Releases CO2 into the atmosphere initially.
136
What percentage of the atmosphere's CO2 do oceans absorb?
Around 30%.
137
What happens to ocean pH as CO2 levels increase?
The pH decreases, increasing acidity.
138
How does overfishing affect ocean health?
Creates imbalance, threatening ocean security.
139
What is the cultural significance of fish in different economies?
* Cultural choice in wealthy MEDCs* * Necessity for people in LEDCs
140
What is coral bleaching?
Occurs when algae leave corals due to warm water, causing corals to turn white.
141
What percentage of marine species do coral reefs support?
25%
142
What are the predicted impacts of climate change on the water cycle?
* More frequent and intense storms* * Rising sea levels* * More frequent floods, droughts, and heatwaves
143
What are some unusual weather patterns observed in 2015?
* Droughts in Africa, Pakistan, and India* * Flooding in the USA and Europe* * Warm temperatures in Russia and Siberia
144
What is a climate tipping point?
A critical threshold where small changes can transform a stable climate system irreversibly.
145
What is the impact of warming on peatlands?
Warming causes peat to dry out and increases decomposition.
146
What happens when permafrost melts?
Trapped carbon is released as CO2 and methane.
147
What is thermohaline circulation?
Cold water in the North Atlantic that affects global ocean temperatures.
148
What could happen if the thermohaline circulation stops?
The world could go into another ice age.
149
What is the relationship between economic growth and CO2 emissions?
There is a correlation; economic growth often leads to increased energy consumption.
150
What are feedback mechanisms in climate change?
Processes that can amplify (positive feedback) or dampen (negative feedback) climate change.
