L1 Flashcards
What is ecosystem structure?
- Who lives there, what traits do they have?
- Biodiversity
- Biomass value
- Leaf area
In terms of Biomed what is ecosystem structure comparable to?
Anatomy
What is Ecosystem function?
- What processes operate and how are they controlled?
- Eg carbon exchange with the atmosphere
- Hydrological cycle and energy exchange
In terms of Biomed what is Ecosystem function comparable to?
Physiology
Storms have varying names differing upon what?
The sea in which they come from.
Does CO2 have a short residence time?
No - a long one
Temperature change depends on what?
Cumulative CO2 emissions
Will global temperature rise even with reduced emissions?
Yes
What does stopping climate change require?
Net zero CO2 emissions
What compensates for residual emissions?
Removing CO2
What do the best CO2 removal mechanisms involve?
Photosynthesis
Net zero requires…?
A reversal in net deforestation
Reforestation
Forest restoral
Afforestation
Forest planted in areas where no forest was present
Tricky to identify whether a forest has vs hasnt been present
What makes up a a large chunk of residual emissions?
Trace gases from agriculture
Agriculture is an important source of….?
Non CO2 greenhouse gases eg fertiliser etc
What compensates for the greenhouse gases from agriculture?
Forestry and BECCS
BECCS
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage
Growing biofuels and burying them, then capturing and burying CO2
How can we tell ecosystems act as substantial carbon sinks?
- Satellite evidence, models etc
A net sink means…?
Overall more in compared to out
A net source means…?
Overall more out compared to in
Is there exchange between source and sinks?
Yes, there is constant exchange
