distribution and size of stores

Question 1

lithosphere(crust and upper mantle) different forms

Answer 1

INORGANIC= fossil fuels a decarbonate based sedimentary deposits(limestone)
ORGANIC=litter, organic matter and humid substances found in soil

Question 2

mains stores of carbon in lithosphere

Answer 2

• marine sediments and sedimentary rocks(biggest store)
• fossil fuel deposits-used to be rarely changing, now we exploit them rapidly
• soil organic matter-soil can store carbon for hundreds of years but deforestation effects it

Question 3

the 3 stores for the hydrosphere

Answer 3

SURFACE LAYER= where sunlight penetrates so photosynthesis takes place
INTERMEDIATE LAYER= contains 37,000 Etc of carbon
LIVING ORGANIC MATTER= fish and plankton. when organism die their dead cells sink to deep water where they can form carbon rich sediments which turn into rock. this can lock carbon up for millions of years

Question 4

biosphere(total sum of all living matter

Answer 4

• LIVING VEGETATION= 19% of carbon in biosphere is stored in plants in the tissues and biomass
• PLANT LITTER=fresh un decomposed plant debris like sticks and bark
• SOIL HUMUS=originates from litter decomposition- its a thick brown or black substance which is dispersed in the soil by worms
• PEAT= accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter in peatlands, they form in wetlands where ground saturation stops oxygen from being absorbed
• ANIMALS= help generate movement of carbon through the cycle

Question 5

atmosphere

Answer 5

• its a trace gas making only 0.04% in earths atmosphere

- although the concentration is small greenhouse gases play a vital role in global warming