The carbon budget Flashcards
What is the carbon budget?
it uses data to describe the amount of carbon that is stored and transferred within the carbon cycle (the carbon going in and the carbon going out)
What is carbon usually measured in?
Petagrams (Pg)
Where is the vast majority of carbon stored?
In the earths crust and in the oceans
Is there a lot of carbon stored in the atmosphere and in plants?
No, there is very little
Why is there not a lot of carbon stored in the atmosphere and in plants?
because the carbon transfers are extremely active, with carbon constantly flowing back and forth between the atmosphere and the land
What process is largely responsible for a net loss of carbon in the atmosphere?
photosynthesis
Why are trees important as carbon sinks?
they absorb more carbon dioxide than they release
What is the most important role of the carbon cycle?
the release of carbon dioxide and other gases such as methane into the atmosphere
What is the greenhouse effect?
when gases in the atmosphere absorb long-wave radiation from the Earth and warms the lower atmosphere, enabling life to exist on earth
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?
when human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, increases the concentration of greenhouse gases, making them more effective in trapping radiation, increasing the earths global temperature
How much has the earths global temperatures increased since 1880?
0.8 degrees Celsius
How is the carbon cycle responsible for the formation and development of soil?
carbon in the form of organic matter (litterfall) introduces important nutrients and provides a structure to the soil, as well as helps plant growth
What is the benefit of carbon being stored in grass?
provides fodder for animals
In what form does carbon provide a valuable source of energy?
in the form of wood and fossil fuels
How can carbon be used by some marine organisms to build shells?
it can be converted into calcium carbonate
How does the carbon cycle have an impact on phytoplankton?
phytoplankton consume carbon dioxide during photosynthesis then the carbon is passed along the marine food chain
What is a volcanic winter?
when volcanic eruptions release gases into the atmosphere, which then absorbs more radiation from the sun, which can lead to a cooling effect on Earth
What effects might occur in regions experiencing widespread deforestation?
may become drier and less humid as fewer trees means less photosynthesis
