How does carbon cycle operate

Question 1

Define carbon cycle

Answer 1

Carbon moving between forms through natural biogeochemical processes over long time

Question 2

Define carbon store/sink

Answer 2

Carbon accumulates in places within cycle for long time (oceans, rock, vegetation)

Question 3

Define carbon flux

Answer 3

movement/transfer of carbon in different compounds between atmosphere, biosphere ect. (eruptions, permafrost, respiration, fire)

Question 4

What is the role of sedimentary carbonate rocks in carbon cycle

Answer 4

Sedimentary rocks (limestone) store carbon and develop oil over many years, vulnerable to weathering and form coal

Question 5

How is oil formed

Answer 5

Marine creatures/corals holding carbon die and become cemented in seabed. Where high temp/pressure creates anthracite, anaerobic reactions convert the carbon into crude oil

Question 6

Define phytoplankton

Answer 6

Minute plants found in upper layers of oceans, fixing large amount of carbon through photosynthesis to form base of aquatic food webs

Question 7

Name the three geological carbon releases

Answer 7

Weathering: Chemical weathering of carbon rich rocks (limestone) where the minerals are carried to river/sea deposited and buried over years forming new rock

Tectonic forces: carbon released by rock contact with extreme heat causing chemical changes/outgassing (Yellowstone/Iceland)

Volcanic activity: releases 300 million tonnes CO2 every day through outgassing, vents and eruption

Question 8

Define outgassing

Answer 8

Release of a gas that was stored/dissolved due to changes in heat/pressure (carbon)

Question 9

Name the short term biological processes

Answer 9

Phytoplankton
Thermohaline circulation

Question 10

Explain thermohaline circulation

Answer 10

Slow large scale sea water movement between all oceans caused by diff. temps and density

Colder deep water rises to surface absorbing CO2 from atmosphere

Upwelling/downwelling currents moves dissolved CO2

Warm Co2 water sinks to bottom, these sunken currents return to surface, process repeats

Question 11

Define up/down welling

Answer 11

Up- currents bring deep cold water to ocean surface
Down- surface water forced downwards delivering CO2

Question 12

Explain the role of phytoplankton
(biological pump)

Answer 12

Phytop. minute plants upper layers of ocean fix large amounts of c. due to photosynthesis pass down food chain

Ocean major store of c. Phytop takes up c for respiration turning into organic matter. Enters food webs by organisms using to build skeletons/corals.

C. is taken up and respired makes space for more c. therefore causing cycle known as biological pump

Question 13

Possible implication on climate from climate change x3

Answer 13

Thermohaline circulation weakens altering transfer of heat
Climate patterns will shift (diff temps, no. of storms)
Global storming (temperate/tropical zones intense stroms)
Sahel region become drier (desertification increases)
Ice shelves melting adding more freshwater changing density/convection

Question 14

Possible implication on ecosystem as a result of climate change x3

Answer 14

10% of animals limited adaptability extinct
Biodiversity decreases (Brazil)
Bird migration patterns shift
Decrease in marine biodiversity (Great Barrier reef acidification)

Question 15

Possible implication on hydrological systems as a result of climate change x3

Answer 15

Rivers dry up (high evap/low precip)
Small glaciers disappear (Himalayas)
Flash flooding more common
Permafrost thaws increase discharge levels