Physical Geography - Carbon Eq1 Flashcards

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1
Q

what is the biogeochemical carbon cycle?

A

the movement of carbon between different stores (terrestrial, oceans, and atmosphere) and the exchange of carbon between these stores on different timescales

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2
Q

what are three main carbon stores in the biogeochemical cycle?

A

terrestrial - carbon stored in vegetation, soils, and other land-based systems

oceans - carbon stored in the form of dissolved CO2 in the surface waters and as organic matter in the deep ocean

atmosphere - carbon present in the form of CO2 and other gases in the Earth’s atmosphere

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3
Q

How are the annual fluxes of carbon between these stores measured?

A

in Pg (petagrams) and Gt (gigatones)

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4
Q

what are the different rates and timescales of these fluxes?

A

they occur at different rates and on different timescales

for example, the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere and terrestrial systems may occur over a period of years or decades while the exchange of carbon between the oceans and atmosphere may occur over a period of hundreds or thousands of years

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5
Q

what are the natural processes that drive the movement of carbon between the different stores in the biogeochemical cycle?

A

photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition

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6
Q

how do human activities affect the biogeochemical carbon cycle?

A

human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have led to increased carbon emissions and changes in the balance of carbon stores

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7
Q

why is understanding the biogeochemical carbon cycle important?

A

for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change as well as for developing strategies for carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

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8
Q

what is the origin of most of the earths carbon?

A

geological meaning it is stored in rocks and minerals

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9
Q

what are the main types of geological carbon?

A

sedimentary carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite and biologically derived carbon ground in rocks such as shale, coal, and oil

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10
Q

how are sedimentary carbon rocks formed?

A

from the accumulation of shells and other marine debris in ancient oceans mostly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and formed by the precipitation of minerals from seawater

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11
Q

how are shale, coal, and oil formed?

A

from the accumulation of plant and animal debris over millions of years through heat and pressure over long periods of time

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12
Q

what are other forms of geological carbon?

A

graphite and diamond, formed from the metamorphism of carbon-bearing rocks

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13
Q

how does human activity impact the geological carbon cycle?

A

activities such as mining and burning fossil fuels release carbon stored in these rocks back into the atmosphere contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change

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14
Q

why is understanding geological carbon important?

A

for managing natural resources such as fossil fuels and for understanding the earths past and present carbon cycle

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15
Q

what are geological processes?

A

natural processes that shape the earths surface such as plate tectonics and weathering

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16
Q

what is volcanic out-gassing?

A

a major source of carbon released into the atmosphere through volcanic activtiy

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17
Q

how does volcanic out-gassing occur?

A

when magma or lava reaches the earths surface and releases gases including CO2 through fumaroles and vents

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18
Q

where is volcanic out-gassing particularly significant?

A

at ocean ridges where new crust is constantly being creates and older crust is being recycled back into the mantle

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19
Q

what are subduction zones?

A

areas where one tectonic plate is being pushed under another creating intense pressure and heat

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20
Q

how do subduction zones release carbon into the atmosphere?

A

by causing the release of gases including CO2 from the subduction plate into the atmosphere

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21
Q

what is chemical weathering of rocks?

A

a geological process that released carbon into the atmosphere through the process by which rocks are broken down and altered by exposure to water, air, temperature changes

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22
Q

how does chemical weathering release carbon into the atmosphere?

A

by causing minerals in rocks to react with water and air forming new minerals and releasing CO2

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23
Q

how do human activities affect the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere?

A

activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels increase the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change

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24
Q

why is understanding the role of geological processes in the carbon cycle important?

A

for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change as well as for developing strategies for carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

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25
Q

what is phytoplankton?

A

microscopic plants that float in the surface waters of the ocean

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26
Q

what do phytoplankton sequester atmospheric carbon?

A

during photosynthesis, phytoplankton take CO2 from the atmosphere and use it to produce organic matter such as carbohydrates and proteins

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27
Q

what are carbonate shells

A

hard, calcium carbonate structures produced by some phytoplankton and other marine organisms

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28
Q

how do carbonate shells move into the deep ocean water?

A

through the action of the carbonate pump, which occurs when the shells/tests sink to the ocean floor and are transported by ocean current to deeper waters

29
Q

what is thermohaline circulation?

A

a global ocean circulation pattern driven by differences in temperature and salinity which helps to distribute heat and nutrients throughout the ocean

30
Q

how does the thermohaline circulation affect carbonate shells/tests?

A

it helps to transport the carbonate shells to deeper waters where they are less likely to be dissolved and can remain preserved for longer periods of time

31
Q

why is it important for carbonate shells to move into the deep ocean water?

A

because it allows for the long-term storage of carbon in the deep ocean which can help to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic carbon emissions on the atmosphere and climate

32
Q

why is the study of phytoplankton and carbonate shells important?

A

understanding the role of phytoplankton and carbonate shells in the carbon cycle can provide insights into how the ocean can be used as a carbon sink and help to guide management strategies for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change

33
Q

what are terrestrial primary producers?

A

organisms, such as plant, that use light energy to convert CO2 and water into organic compounds through the process of photosynthesis

34
Q

how do terrestrial primary produces sequester carbon?

A

during photosynthesis, primary producers take in CO2 from the atmosphere and use it to produce organic compounds such as sugars and starches which can be stored in their leaves, stems, and roots

35
Q

what happens to the carbon that is sequestered by primary producers?

A

some of the carbon is returned to the atmosphere through the process of respiration which occurs in all living organisms. respiration is the process by which organic compounds are broken down to release energy, releasing CO2 as a by-product

36
Q

how does respiration return carbon to the atmosphere?

A

through the process of respiration, consumer organisms, such as herbivores and decomposers, break down the organic compounds produced by primary producer, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere

37
Q

what is the net effect of photosynthesis and respiration on carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems?

A

Photosynthesis stores more carbon in the form of biomass than respiration releases back into the atmosphere. This helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to overall carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems.

38
Q

why is it important to study the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems?

A

understanding the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems is important for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change, as well as for developing strategies for carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. additionally, studying the relationship between primary producers, consumer organisms, and carbon sequestration can inform conservation and management strategies for terrestrial ecosystems.

39
Q

what is biological carbon?

A

biological carbon refers to carbon stored in living organisms and their remains

40
Q

how do terrestrial primary producers sequester carbon?

A

during photosynthesis, terrestrial primary producers such as plants and trees sequester carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass

41
Q

what happens to the carbon stored in terrestrial primary producers?

A

some of this carbon is returned to the atmosphere through the respiration of consumer organisms such as animals and decomposers

42
Q

what is dead organic matter?

A

dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, dead plants, and animal remains can also be stored as carbon in soils

43
Q

what happens to carbon stored in dead organic matter?

A

however, this carbon can also be returned to the atmosphere through the process of decomposition which is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms and other organisms

44
Q

what factors affect the rate of decomposition and the amount of carbon returned to the atmosphere?

A

the rate of decomposition and the amount of carbon returned to the atmosphere

45
Q

what role does the storage of carbon in soils play in regulating the concentration of atmospheric carbon?

A

the storage of carbon in soils can play an important role in regulating the concentration of atmospheric carbon and mitigating climate change

46
Q

what is the carbon cycle?

A

biological carbon storage and decomposition are part of the carbon cycle, which is the continuous movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and land

47
Q

how does the concentration of atmospheric carbon influence the natural greenhouse effect?

A

the concentration of atmospheric carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide and methane, strongly influences the natural greenhouse effect, which in turn determines the distribution of temperature and precipitation

48
Q

what are the main sources of atmospheric carbon?

A

carbon dioxide and methane are the main sources of atmospheric carbon

49
Q

how does the concentration of atmospheric carbon affect the natural greenhouse effect?

A

the concentration of atmospheric carbon strongly influences the natural greenhouse effect. The more carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere, the stronger the greenhouse effect will be

50
Q

what is the relationship between the greenhouse effect and temperature and precipitation?

A

the greenhouse effect determines the distribution of temperature and precipitation on Earth. It regulates the amount of heat that is retained in the atmosphere and affects the amount of water vapor that is present, which in turn affects precipitation patterns

51
Q

how does increasing the concentration of atmospheric carbon affect the natural greenhouse effect?

A

increasing the concentration of atmospheric carbon in the form of carbon dioxide and methane will result in a stronger greenhouse effect, which can lead to warming temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns

52
Q

why is understanding the relationship between atmospheric carbon and the natural greenhouse effect important?

A

understanding the relationship between atmospheric carbon and the natural greenhouse effect is important for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change, as well as for developing strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of global warming

53
Q

What role do ocean and terrestrial photosynthesis play in regulating the atmosphere?

A

Ocean and terrestrial photosynthesis play an important role in regulating the atmosphere by removing carbon dioxide from the air and converting it into organic matter, which can be stored in the form of biomass, dead organic matter, or in the ocean as carbonate shells. This process helps to maintain a balance of carbon in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change.

54
Q

What role do ocean and terrestrial photosynthesis play in regulating the atmosphere?

A

Ocean and terrestrial photosynthesis play an important role in regulating the atmosphere by removing carbon dioxide from the air and converting it into organic matter, which can be stored in the form of biomass, dead organic matter, or in the ocean as carbonate shells. This process helps to maintain a balance of carbon in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change.

55
Q

How is soil health influenced by stored carbon?

A

Soil health is influenced by stored carbon because carbon is an important component of soil organic matter, which contributes to soil structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity. Healthy soils with a high carbon content can support a diverse range of plants and animals, and are more resilient to changes in climate and land use.

56
Q

How does stored carbon affect ecosystem productivity?

A

Stored carbon affects ecosystem productivity by providing a source of energy and nutrients for a wide range of organisms. Carbon stored in soils can also help to regulate the water cycle and maintain soil structure, which in turn supports plant growth and other ecosystem services.

57
Q

Why is the role of photosynthesis in regulating atmospheric composition important?

A

The role of photosynthesis in regulating atmospheric composition is important because it helps to remove excess carbon dioxide from the air, which would otherwise contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Photosynthesis also helps to regulate the water cycle and support biodiversity by providing a source of food and habitat for a wide range of organisms.

58
Q

How does carbon storage in the ocean and on land impact the overall carbon cycle?

A

Carbon storage in the ocean and on land impact the overall carbon cycle by regulating the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and land. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the air and stores it in the form of organic matter, while decomposition and other processes return carbon to the atmosphere. The balance of carbon storage and release helps to maintain a stable climate and support biodiversity.

59
Q

How does the concentration of carbon in the atmosphere impact the natural greenhouse effect?

A

The concentration of carbon in the atmosphere impacts the natural greenhouse effect by trapping heat and warming the planet. An increase in atmospheric carbon, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, can lead to a stronger greenhouse effect and contribute to climate change.

60
Q

How does the natural greenhouse effect determine the distribution of temperature and precipitation?

A

The natural greenhouse effect determines the distribution of temperature and precipitation by trapping heat and warming the planet. This can lead to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, as well as more extreme weather events.

61
Q

How does the balance of carbon storage in oceans, terrestrial and soil influence the global climate?

A

The balance of carbon storage in oceans, terrestrial and soil plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate. The ocean and terrestrial systems are natural carbon sinks that help to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the form of biomass and other organic matter. However, human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels can disrupt this balance and contribute to climate change.

62
Q

What are the factors that influence the amount of carbon stored in soil and how long it can be stored?

A

Factors that influence the amount of carbon stored in soil include soil type, temperature, moisture levels, and the presence of microorganisms. The length of time that carbon can be stored in soil can vary depending on these factors, as well as the rate of decomposition and the presence of other carbon sinks such as plants and animals.

63
Q

How does human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels impact the ability of natural systems to regulate atmospheric carbon concentration?

A

Human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels can disrupt the ability of natural systems to regulate atmospheric carbon concentration by releasing large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere and reducing the capacity of natural carbon sinks such as oceans, forests, and soils. This can contribute to climate change and disrupt the balance of the carbon cycle.

64
Q

What is fossil fuel combustion?

A

Fossil fuel combustion refers to the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas to generate energy

65
Q

What are the effects of fossil fuel combustion on the atmosphere?

A

Fossil fuel combustion releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which can lead to an increase in the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and contribute to global warming and climate change

66
Q

How does fossil fuel combustion affect ecosystems?

A

Fossil fuel combustion can have impacts on ecosystems, including changes to the hydrological cycle (the movement of water through the Earth’s systems) and increased acidification of oceans.

67
Q

What are the other impacts of burning fossil fuels?

A

Burning fossil fuels can also have implications for air and water pollution, as well as human health.

68
Q

How can human activities exacerbate the effects of fossil fuel combustion?

A

Human activities, such as deforestation and land use changes, can exacerbate the effects of fossil fuel combustion by reducing the ability of natural systems to sequester carbon.

69
Q

What can be done to mitigate the impacts of fossil fuel combustion?

A

Efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources can help to mitigate the impacts of fossil fuel combustion on the climate and ecosystems. Carbon capture and storage technology can also play a role in reducing the impacts of fossil fuel combustion.