Inter-relationships between water and carbon Flashcards
1
Q
The water and carbon cycle?
A
- Respiration/ decomposition from plants and animals releases carbon as CO2. This is absorbed in rainwater.
- CO2 + Water vapor released through fires and burning fossil fuels. Results in EGE.
- Carbon diffuses into ocean store from atmosphere and can be diffused back into the atmosphere from the ocean. Carbon sink.
- Carbon dissolved in rainwater as carbonic acid, stored/transported in rivers and oceans.
- Hydrosphere absorbs CO2 as it’s soluble, overland flow increased due to deforestation so increase in weathering of rocks.
- Carbonic acid dissolves sedimentary rocks, so dissolved carbon from carbonate rocks is released into the ocean.
2
Q
Positive feedback in the carbon and water cycle?
A
- Ocean warms due to increased CO2 in the atmosphere, causes EGE and melts sea ice/ glaciers.
- Warmer ocean cannot absorb as much CO2.
- Carbon stored in ocean is reduced and more remains in atmosphere.
- Then increases the EGE and process continues.
3
Q
Negative feedback in the carbon and water cycle?
A
- Phytoplankton populations increasing due to nutrients released from melting ice and additional carbon.
- Clouds form due to phytoplankton processes (release dimethyl sulphide). Promotes condensation and cloud formation.
- Clouds form and reflect incoming solar radiation.
- Cooler conditions so less melting icebergs to release nutrients = less phytoplankton.
4
Q
Implications of negative and positive feedback for life on earth?
A
- Less phytoplankton, are important food source as at the bottom of the food chain.
- Increased climate change due to EGE.
- More of the cryosphere melting.
5
Q
Implications of negative and positive feedback on climate?
A
- Climate becomes increasingly more extreme and unpredictable.
- More clouds and precipitation due to phytoplankton may reduce effects of EGE.