Carbon-Oxygen Cycle

Question 1

Volcanic Eruption

Answer 1

Release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Question 2

Carbon Sequestration - On Land

Answer 2

*On land, plants take in carbon dioxide to use in photosynthesis and store it within their tissues (cells).

Question 3

Carbon Sequestration - In Ocean

Answer 3

*In the ocean, phytoplankton and other marine organisms take in carbon through photosynthesis.
*Oceans also dissolve carbon dioxide
*CO2 combines with the water and form calcium formation of calcium carbonate shells.

Question 4

Cellular Respiration

Answer 4

*Animals eat the plants and take in O2 to power cellular respiration, and then release CO2 into the atmosphere.
*Works with photosynthesis (CO2) to act as carbon transfer between organisms.

Question 5

Photosynthesis

Answer 5

*Plant cells absorb solar energy, carbon dioxide and water and convert them into oxygen, water, and glucose (energy)
*Works with cellular respiration to act as carbon dioxide transfer between organisms.

Question 6

Decomposition

Answer 6

*When organisms die, their organic matter becomes available for decomposition by decomposers.
*Decomposers break down complex organic molecules (like glucose) into simpler compounds (such as CO2)

Question 7

Fossilisation + Unavailable Carbon

Answer 7

*Involves the burial and transformation of organic matter into fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.
*Removes carbon from the cycle as it is transformed into fossil fuels.
*Once fossil fuels are formed, they remain underground until extracts

Question 8

Combustion of Fossil Fuels

Answer 8

*When burned, fossil fuels release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
*Fossil fuels are burned for energy production, transportation, industrial processes, and heating.
*Not part of the natural caborn cycle (human impact)

Question 9

Limestone Weathering

Answer 9

*Limestone is primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
*Calcium carbonate reacts with acids found in rainwater and soil.
*Produces CO2 which is released into the atmosphere.

Question 10

Deforestation

Answer 10

*When trees and vegetation are cut down, burned or left to decay, the carbon stored in their tissues and cells is released into the atmosphere as CO2
*Also results in the loss of carbon sinks.

Question 11

Fires