Links Between The Cycles

Question 1

What are the different links

Answer 1

• ocean
• atmosphere
• vegetation
• cryosphere

Question 2

Explain how ocean link the water and carbon cycle

Answer 2

• absorbs co2 (slow cycle) - absorbs 30% of human emissions + holds 60 x more than the atmosphere
• biological carbon pump - phytoplankton
• organic carbon —> inorganic carbon

Question 3

Explain how vegetation links the carbon cycle

Answer 3

• water is needed for photosynthesis
• ^ precipitation + co2 = ^ plant growth
• deforestation = removal of carbon from biosphere = increased surface run off + higher flood risk
• reduction in the cycling of water = lower rates of precipitation
• Increased surface run off = soil carbon to go into rivers = silting of rivers + eutrophication = reduced fertility

Question 4

Explain how the cryosphere links the water and carbon cycles

Answer 4

• slows decomp of organic matter - tundra stores 1600GT
• albedo affect —> limits PFBL
• dependent on temp - influenced by carbon
• can change effectiveness of the ocean as a carbon store - decrease in salinity

Question 5

Explain how the atmosphere links the carbon and water cycle

Answer 5

• co2 dissolved in water = acid rain
• ^ co2 = ^ temp = ^ evapotranspiration = ^ water vapour
• higher rate of photosynthesis = cycle of water is faster
• ocean absorbs 30% of human emissions
• water influences co2 absorption from atmosphere (biosphere)