knowledge test Carbon Flashcards
What is a closed system?
When there are no inputs or outputs apart from energy
What is positive feedback?
When the effects of an action are amplified by other knock-on effects
What is dynamic equilibrium?
There is a balance between inputs and outputs
What % of carbon is stored in the Lithosphere?
99.985
What are the factors driving change in the magnitude of carbon stores in the Biosphere?
photosynthesis
respiration
combustion
decomposition
What are the factors driving changed in the magnitude of carbon stores in the hydrosphere?
diffusion
calcification
compaction
ventilation
When is the concentration of carbon lowest in the atmosphere in the northern hemisphere?
Summer
Which of the following are fluxes?
Diffusion Plants Ventilation Phytoplankton Photosynthesis Combustion
Diffusion
Ventilation
Photosynthesis
Combustion
Which of the following are sinks?
Agriculture Oceans Humans Fires Hydrocarbons Rainforest
Oceans
Hydrocarbons
Rainforest
What are the human factors affecting the carbon cycle?
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Agriculture,
Hydrocarbons,
Deforestation,
Land use change
What is weathering?
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/
the breakdown of rock in situ``
Which sphere absorbs the most amount of carbon?
Atmosphere
The greatest exchange of carbon is between which spheres:
Atmosphere and biosphere
Atmosphere and hydrosphere
How does the carbon cycle change over time due to natural variation?
Cold temperatures
Hot temperatures
Volcanic eruptions
Wildfires
What is responsible for between 2.4 - 5% of global emissions?
Cement production
What is the term used to describe when more CO2 leads to more photosynthesis and more plant growth?
carbon fertilisation
What is the term when humans make the greenhouse effect worse?
enhanced green house effect
What impact does the diffusion of CO2 into the ocean have?
acidification
Is reduction in albedo and melting of ice an example of positive or negative feedback?
Positive
Which 2 things are part of the slow carbon cycle?
Weathering
Compaction
From smallest to largest carbon store which is correct?
Biosphere, Atmosphere, Cryosphere, Pedosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere
Give an example of either positive or negative feedback on the land
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Negative or positive feedback? - more CO2 leads to more plant growth, which leads to more CO2 being absorbed and therefore less CO2 in the atmosphere
Negative or positive feedback? - increase in temperatures, leads to increase in decomposition and therefore more CO2, which leads to higher temperatures
Which type of radiation is incoming?
Shortwave
The average temperature of the planet in degrees celsius is?
15
Greenhouse gases released by humans are known as?
Anthropogenic
What does RCP stand for?
···
representative concentration pathways
What are the 4 impacts of the carbon cycle on the ocean?
ocean acidification,
sea level change,
albedo,
ocean salinity
What is the word used to describe attempts to slow down the process of global climate change, usually by lowering the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Mitigation
What is one advantage and one disadvantage of Carbon Capture Storage?
Advantage - captures 90%, traps the CO2 and stops it entering the atmosphere
Disadvantage - very expensive, does not reduce our reliance on hydrocarbons
What is average annual rainfall in the rainforest?
2000mm
If you cut down the rainforest which of the following decreases?
Precipitation Transpiration Runoff Infiltration Interception
Precipitation
Transpiration
Infiltration
Interception
What happens to the carbon cycle if the rainforest is cut down?
Photosynthesis ceases
Ash increases carbon content of soil
What are the two factors which affect securing a sustainable water supply in the River Exe Catchment?
Wimbleball Reservoir
Peatland Restoration
Exmoor Mires Project
Why is there a long lag time in the River Exe catchment?
70% of the land is grassland
