Major Carbon Flows Flashcards
What does photosynthesis do
Plants use energy from the Sun to change CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen. Enables plants to grow.
What is the formula from photosynthesis
CO2 + H2O + sunlight -> CH2O + O2
What does respiration do
Plants and animals break down glucose for energy, releasing CO2 and methane in the process. It takes O2 from the atmosphere and replaces it with CO2
What is the equation for respiration
O2 + CH2O -> energy + H2O + CO2
What does decomposition do
Transfers carbon from dead biomass to the atmosphere and soil. After death, bacteria and fungi break organisms down. CO2 and methane are released. It ensures carbon is always recycled into the soil and available for life
What does combustion do
Transfers carbon stored in living, dead of decomposed biomass to atmospheric via burning. It happens when organic material is reacted in the presence of oxygen to give off CO2, water and energy
What does weathering do
Chemical weathering transfers carbon from the atmosphere to the hydrosphere and biosphere
What is ocean uptake and loss?
CO2 is directly dissolved from the atmosphere into the ocean
What is sequestration
Carbon from the atmosphere can be captured and held (sequestered) in sedimentary rocks of as fossil fuels
