The carbon cycle

Question 1

Draw the carbon cycle

Question 2

what are the key processes of the carbon cycle

Answer 2

1) photosynthesis
2) Respiration
3) decomposition
4) fossilisation
5) combustion

Question 3

describe the process of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle

Answer 3

CO2 is removed from the atmosphere carbon store by terrestrial plants to form biosphere carbon stores such as cellulose or carbohydrates

Question 4

Describe the process of respiration in the carbon cycle

Answer 4

CO2 is returned to the carbon store in the atmosphere and the oceans

Question 5

Describe the process of decomposition in the carbon cycle

Answer 5

CO2 is released from dead organisms by saprophytes

Question 6

Describe the process of fossilisation in the carbon cycle

Answer 6

Formation of fossil fuels from dead organism which have not been decayed
The formation of limestone from skeletons and shells of marine lifeforms

Question 7

Describe the process of combustion in the carbon cycle

Answer 7

Carbon from fossil fuels is returned to the atmosphere when burnt

Question 8

What are the two main human activities affecting the carbon cycle

Answer 8

1) deforestation

2) global climate change

Question 9

Describe the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle

Answer 9

1) the rate of CO2 removed from the atmosphere via photosynthesis is decreased by cutting down forests
2) When trees are cut down and removed, left over pieces are burnt or left to decay. Both these processes release CO2 into the atmosphere

Question 10

Define Global warming

Answer 10

The increase of average global temperatures, in excess of the greenhouse effect caused by the atmospheres concentration of greenhouse gases such as CO2

Question 11

Describe the greenhouse effect

Answer 11

1) Greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane, or NOx’s allow high energy, short-wave radiation to pass through to Earths surface
2) The energy is absorbed by the earth and reradiated as low energy, long-wave infra-red radiation
3) These are absorbed and trapped by GHG in the atmosphere creating a blanket effect
4) The planetary surface begins to warm up

Question 12

What are the effects of climate change on species

Answer 12

1) habitat changes lead to changes in the distribution of species, leading to several species colonizing new areas of the UK
2) Species adapted for colder temps move up north or up in altitude but eventually will have nowhere to go and will be pushed out of their range of tolerance and die

Question 13

What are some other consequences of global climate change

Answer 13

1) melting of polar ice-caps may cause flooding in coastal areas
2) increased forest fired
3) increased extreme weather events
4) increased photosynthesis
5) ocean acidification

Question 14

What are the effects of carbon dioxide on farming

Answer 14

1) increased temps will lead to water shortages
2) crops may need to be grown in new, more favorable conditions
3) flooding can cause loss of land
4) Extreme weather can lead to damage from heavy rainfall or fires.

Question 15

Define carbon footprint

Answer 15

The equivalent amount of carbon dioxide generated by an individual, product or service a year

Question 16

How can a carbon footprint be reduced

Answer 16

1) recycle packing material
2) Drive less
3) decreased protein diet
4) afforestation