Impacts of carbon cycle: Atmosphere

Question 1

Radiative forcing

Answer 1

Energy is constantly flowing from the atmosphere in the form of sunlight

30% of this sunlight is reflected back into space
The rest is absorbed by the planet

Some of this absorbed energy is radiated back as inferred energy

If the balance between the incoming and the outgoing energy is anything other than zero, warming (positive) or cooling (negative) will occur.

The measure of it being out of balance due to human activities (radiative forcing) is measured in watts/m2

Radiative forcing has increased due to greenhouse gas emissions and changing albedos due to land use changes

Question 2

Regional climate

Answer 2

Vegetation removes co2 and releases water and oxygen

Regions with dense vegetation (tropical rainforests) experience high rates of photosynthesis and respiration. This increases the levels of humidity and cloud cover, which in turn can have regional climate and rainfall.

Widespread deforestation cause areas to become drier and less humid. Less trees means less photosynthesis.

Volcanic eruptions release co2 along with other gases into the atmosphere. This absorbs more incoming radiation from the sun and can lead to a cooling effect.