The Major Stores of Carbon

Question 1

how much carbon is stored in the terrestrial biosphere

Answer 1

3,170 GtC

Question 2

main stores in the terrestrial biosphere

Answer 2

living vegetation, plant litter, soil (biggest source), peat and animals

Question 3

how much carbon is stored in the atmosphere

Answer 3

from 720 GtC to 800 GtC

Question 4

carbon is stored in the lithosphere in both …. and …. forms

Answer 4

inorganic and organic

Question 5

Inorganic deposits of carbon in the lithosphere include..

Answer 5

coal, oil and natural gas

Question 6

Some carbon dioxide is released from the interior of the lithosphere by…

Answer 6

volcanoes

Question 7

how are oceans the second largest store of carbon

Answer 7

carbon dioxide is absorbed directly from the air and river water discharges carbon carried in solution.

Question 8

what is the natural purpose of CO2

Answer 8

to regulate the earth’s temperature

Question 9

CO2 in the atmosphere is rising at a rate of …

Answer 9

2 ppm/year

Question 10

main link between the water and carbon cycle

Answer 10

the absorption of carbon in rainwater- facilitates key processes and affects the magnitude of both stores

Question 11

how does the process of carbonation link the water and carbon cycle

Answer 11

when acidic rainwater makes contact with carbonate rocks (eg limestone), it is converted into calcium bicarbonate- is soluble. the dissolved carbon is then carried away by rivers into the ocean (used to build shells)