ecology Flashcards
biosphere
all living organism on earth
atmosphere
layers of gas that can be found on the surface of the earth to space
lithosphere
Consisting of the upper mantle and the crust
hydrosphere
All water found on earth whether it is trapped ice, stored underground as groundwater, or found in the atmosphere as vapour.
Describe the main processes of the carbon cycle
The main events in the carbon cycle are photosynthesis, respiration, combustion and fossilisation.
Describe the natural greenhouse effect and how it helps to maintain earth’s ideal surface temperature.
The natural greenhouse effect traps infra red ray from escaping the atmosphere, as a result, the Earth can maintain an ideal temperature because greenhouse gasses will hold a certain amount of these rays.
Identify the major greenhouse gases (GHG):
CO2, H2O, methane, nitrous oxides.
Identify carbon reservoirs / sinks,
A carbon sink is anything that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases. By far, the chief reservoirs of CO2 are in the oceans and in rocks.
CO2 dissolves readily in water. Once there, it may precipitate as calcium carbonate (limestone – CaCO3). Limestone reefs are actually huge deposits of carbon built by corals and algae. Molluscs store carbon in their shells. Trees are good carbon sinks.
Explain how ocean currents distribute heat around the earth.
Describe the enhanced greenhouse effect and list types and sources of anthropogenic GHGs.
provide evidence for global warming
List the fossil fuel types and compare their relative contribution to the
enhanced greenhouse effect.
Investigate the role of the Aboriginal fire management regime in reducing GHG
emissions
Describe the effects of Climate Change: Abiotic
Ocean acidification (impact on coral reef - GBR).