Lesson 3 - Biological Pump Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 3 main carbon pumps?
A
Biological
Carbonate
Physical
2
Q
Where do the 3 pumps operate?
A
Within the ocean
3
Q
How do phytoplankton begin the biological pump?
A
Float on ocean surface
Receive sunlight
Photosynthesise
4
Q
What happens when the phytoplankton photosynthesise?
A
Converts CO2 into food for predators + zooplankton
5
Q
How does this sequester carbon?
A
Passed up food chain by consumer fish
Release CO2 back into waters + atmosphere
6
Q
Where does most carbon end up?
A
Recycled into surface waters
0.1% reaches sea floor
7
Q
How is carbon sequestered to the sea floor?
A
Dead phytoplankton sink
Decompose or turn into sediment
