The carbon cycle Flashcards
Draw the carbon cycle
what are the key processes of the carbon cycle
1) photosynthesis
2) Respiration
3) decomposition
4) fossilisation
5) combustion
describe the process of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle
CO2 is removed from the atmosphere carbon store by terrestrial plants to form biosphere carbon stores such as cellulose or carbohydrates
Describe the process of respiration in the carbon cycle
CO2 is returned to the carbon store in the atmosphere and the oceans
Describe the process of decomposition in the carbon cycle
CO2 is released from dead organisms by saprophytes
Describe the process of fossilisation in the carbon cycle
Formation of fossil fuels from dead organism which have not been decayed
The formation of limestone from skeletons and shells of marine lifeforms
Describe the process of combustion in the carbon cycle
Carbon from fossil fuels is returned to the atmosphere when burnt
What are the two main human activities affecting the carbon cycle
1) deforestation
2) global climate change
Describe the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle
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
Define Global warming
The increase of average global temperatures, in excess of the greenhouse effect caused by the atmospheres concentration of greenhouse gases such as CO2
Describe the greenhouse effect
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
What are the effects of climate change on species
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
What are some other consequences of global climate change
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
What are the effects of carbon dioxide on farming
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.
Define carbon footprint
The equivalent amount of carbon dioxide generated by an individual, product or service a year
