Factors driving change in the carbon cycle

Question 1

Photosynthesis

Answer 1

CO2 + H2O —-> CH2O + O2

Carbon turned into organic matter

Question 2

Respiration

Answer 2

O2 + CH2O —> CO2 + H2O

Breathing that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

Question 3

Decomposition

Answer 3

Physical breakdown of organic materials by decomposers

Using enzymes

Question 4

Combustion

Answer 4

When organic materials are burnt in the presence of oxygen
Gives off CO2, water and energy
(e.g. burning biomass/ fossil fuels)

Question 5

Carbon pumps

Answer 5

When CO2 dissolves in water
Causes an increase in water temp.
Leads to deep vertical mixing
Carbon gets incorporated into marine organisms (exoskeletons)

Question 6

Carbon sequestration

Answer 6

Capture of CO2 for long term storage
Could be action of humans or could be naturally occuring
Limits CO2 in the atmosphere
Slows climate change

Geological:
CO2 captured at source
Injected into underground stores
Human

Oceanic:
CO2 sunk in deep ocean
Natural

Terrestrial:
Use of plants to capture CO2
Natural

Question 7

Weathering

Answer 7

Wearing away or change the appearance or texture
Breaking down in rock
Releases CO2