Earth 6 Flashcards
What is the carbon cycle, and why is it important?
The carbon cycle is the natural, slow movement of carbon between living and nonliving components of Earth, such as the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. It is essential for life and helps maintain atmospheric temperatures.
What are carbon sinks, and why are they significant?
Carbon sinks are natural environments that absorb and store carbon, such as oceans, forests, and soil. They play a vital role in regulating atmospheric carbon levels and mitigating climate change.
How does human activity affect the carbon cycle in the atmosphere?
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, disrupting the natural balance and contributing to global warming.
What are the impacts of the changing carbon cycle on the hydrosphere?
Excess carbon dioxide is absorbed by oceans, leading to ocean acidification, which harms marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and shellfish populations.
How does the changing carbon cycle affect the biosphere and geosphere?
Increased atmospheric carbon disrupts ecosystems, causing changes in plant growth and soil composition, while contributing to habitat loss for many species.
What is extreme weather, and what are some examples?
Extreme weather refers to weather events that are significantly different from usual patterns, such as heatwaves, cold waves, droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones. These events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
How does climate change influence extreme weather?
Climate change increases the frequency, severity, and unpredictability of extreme weather events by altering temperature patterns, atmospheric pressure, and ocean currents.
What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), and why is it important?
The AMOC is a system of ocean currents that distributes heat between the equator and the poles. It helps regulate global temperatures and keeps regions like Europe warmer than they otherwise would be.
What could happen if the AMOC is disrupted?
Disruption of the AMOC could lead to drastic changes in global climate patterns, including more severe winters in Europe, rising sea levels in North America, and disrupted weather systems worldwide.
What is the connection between melting ice caps and the AMOC?
Melting ice caps add freshwater to the oceans, disrupting the salt balance and weakening the AMOC, which could destabilize global climate systems.
Why is ocean acidification a concern for marine life?
Ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption, reduces the availability of carbonate ions needed by marine organisms to build shells and skeletons, threatening biodiversity.
How do extreme weather events impact society?
Extreme weather causes economic damage, infrastructure destruction, loss of life, displacement of communities, and disruptions to ecosystems and food supply.
