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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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