The Global Carbon Cycle

Question 1

Features of Carbon

Answer 1

ubiquitous (found everywhere)
carbon-based molecules are integral to all living organisms
CO2 is part of the air we breathe
C exists in dissolved form in water, limestone, fossil fuels, ocean sediments and soils

Question 2

Elements of the carbon system

Answer 2

Flows - transfers of carbon between stores (rate = flux)
Stores - amounts of carbon stored in part of global system
residence time = average time it is in any store
In/outputs - flows into or out of particular stores
Processes - mechanisms that drive in/outputs and flows of carbon cycle, photosynthesis is key
Mass balance concept - total amount of C conserved over time

Question 3

Global stores of carbon

Answer 3

ocean water = 38,700 gigatonnes
fossil fuels = 4,130 gtn
atmosphere = 600 gtn