exam revision Flashcards
what is the carbon in the atmosphere ?
carbon dioxide (CO2)
methane (CH4)
what is the carbon in the biosphere ?
carbohydrates (e.g. glucose, fats, protiens, vitamins and DNA of all living things)
what is the carbon in the hydrosphere?
carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved in oceans/lakes forming carbonic acid (H2 CO3)
what is the carbon in the lithosphere ?
decomposed organic matter
fossil feuls (coal oil gas)
limestone (calcium carbonate (Ca CO3))
what are the 7 stages of the carbon cycle
- photosynthesis
- eating
- respiration
- decomposition/excretion
- fossil feuls
- combustion
- ocean (carbonic acid) and deposits of calcium carbonate
explain photosynthesis
carbon dioxide in atmosphere is absorbed by plants. this carbon then reacts with water forming glucose (a carbon containing compound)
how is carbon transferred through the food chain ?
animals obtain carbon by consuming the carbon content of other plants and animals.
what is respiration ?
plants and animals break down glucose using oxygen forming carbon dioxide and water. this carbon is thn breathed out and into the atmosphere (i.e. respiration).
what is excretion, egestion, death and decomposition in terms of the carbon cycle ?
the carbon content of animals entering the soil thought waste.
dead animals being broken down by decomposers which respire carbon back into atmosphere.
what is formation of fossil feuls in terms of the carbon cycle ?
oil, coal and gas are composed from the carbon in animals and plants which died millions of years ago.
carbon is stored for millions of years before rentering carbon cycle.
how does combustion contribute to the carbon cycle ?
the burning of fossil feuls in oxygen lead to release of carbon dioxide (which is released back into the atmosphere) and water.
what is the formation of limestone in terms of the carbon cycle ?
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is dissolved in the ocean forming carbonic acid.
carbon dioxide also with calcium iron mineral deposits forming calcium carbonate. this calcium carbonate sinks to the bottom of the ocean and, over millions of years, is compressed forming limestone.
what are the atmospheric carbon gains ?
respiration
combustion
excretion, egestion, decomposition and death
what are the atmosphere carbon losses ?
photosynthesis
formation of fossil fuels
dissolving in the oceans
what are the earth’s spheres ?
hydrosphere
lithosphere
biosphere
atmosphere
what is the atmosphere ?
the gases above the earth’s surface mainly made up of oxygen and nitrogen
what is the biosphere ?
consists of all living life on earth including humans, animals, fungi - encompassing all spheres.
what is the hydrosphere ?
made up of all water on earth in all forms including glaciers, rivers, lakes and oceans.
what is the geosphere ?
the geosphere refers to geological material in the earth - the ground including the layers of the earth, lithosphere and asthenosphere.
Describe the greenhouse gas effect
Greenhouse gasses trapping ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and Infared radiation from the ground.
Name the greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
water vapor (H2O)
How are computer scientific model/simulations used ?
To run simulations predicting the future outcomes of geological events
this includes : weather, climate change and to monitor pollution levels.
