The global carbon cycle: transfers Flashcards
Approximately how much carbon makes up wood?
50%
What is the terrestrial carbon cycle in the lithosphere?
When rock gets exposed, usually due to glacier retreat, it is vulnerable to weathering so when the rock gets broken down it releases carbon either into the atmosphere or it dissolves into the water
The overtime vegetation such as moss will grow on the bare rock which will use photosynthesis to absorb carbon
Define a sere.
a succession that relates to a specific environment
What is a hydrosere?
water- usually in a freshwater pond
What is a halosere?
salt- usually in a coastal salt marsh
What is a psammosere?
coastal sand- usually in sand dunes
What are the 7 main transfers in the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis
respiration
decomposition
combustion
burial and compaction
carbon sequestration
weathering
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
carbon dioxide + water = glucose + oxygen
Describe the process of photosynthesis.
Green plants absorb light energy using chlorophyll in their leaves.
The light energy converts carbon dioxide in the air and water from the soil into glucose, during this process oxygen is released.
Some glucose is used for respiration, the rest is converted into starch
Describe the process of respiration.
Its a chemical reaction that happens in all cells in both plants and animals
Its when glucose gets converted into energy that can be used for growth and repair and movement.
The through exhaled air carbon dioxide is returned back into the atmosphere
Describe the process of decomposition.
When organisms die they are consumed by decomposers such as bacteria, fungi and earthworms
during this process, carbon from their bodies is returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, and some passes into the soil where it is stored for hundreds of years.
Describe the process of combustion.
Organic matter contains carbon and when it is burned in the presence of oxygen, it is converted into energy, carbon dioxide and water
Describe the process of burial and compaction.
It is when organic matter is buried by sediments and becomes compacted
then over millions of years they form hydrocarbons such as coal and oil, which when burnt they release carbon
Define carbon sequestration.
the transfer of carbon from the atmosphere into plants, soils, rock formations and oceans
Describe the process of weathering.
the break down or decay of rocks
How does carbon impact weathering?
when carbon dioxide gets absorbed by rainwater it forms a midly acidic carbonic acid which disolves rocks quicker, releasing more carbon.
