The Processes Of Thecarbon Cycle 1C

Question 1

Weathering

Answer 1

Driven by atmosphere, rain and groundwater

Breakdown rocks on the surface

Small particles are combined with with plant and soil particles and then are carried by the ocean.

Large particles are deposited on the shore

Sediment accumulates

Layers build up and shale rock is formed due to surface pressure.

Dissolved sediments mix with seawater and are used by marine organisms to make skeletons and shells contains calcium carbonate.

When these organisms die, the carbonate collects at the bottom of the ocean and sedimentary rocks form.

Question 2

Carbon sequestration - oceanic carbon pump ( vertical circulation)

Answer 2

Co2 moves from the atmosphere to the ocean by diffusion

Warm water absorbs co2 a low latitudes

High latitudes the cold water sinks and carbon is transferred dear into the ocean

When the cold water heats and rises to the surface the carbon is released into the atmosphere

Therefore a constant exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean

Question 3

Carbon sequestration - biological pump

Answer 3

Phytoplankton fixes co2 through photosynthesis and carbon passes through the oceanic food web

Carbonate is removed from the ocean by shell-building organisms

Organisms die and the shells sink into deep water

Layers of carbon-rich sediments are formed and turn to rocks over millions of years.

Question 4

Combustion

Answer 4

Fossil fuels contain carbon captured by living organisms over millions of years and stored in the earths crust

These fuels are mined for a primary energy source and release a by-product of a greenhouse gas co2

Question 5

Decomposition

Answer 5

Occurs by microbes such as bacteria and fungi

Releases co2 into the atmosphere

Decomposition produces organic compounds which dissolve in run-off from land surface.

Greenhouse gases are released as a by-product

Question 6

Respiration

Answer 6

Plants release co2 into the atmosphere - 1/2 terrestrial portion

Microscopic organisms release co2 by respiration from the soil.

Question 7

Photosynthesis

Answer 7

Energy from sunlight and combine co2 from the atmosphere with water from the soil to produce carbohydrates

Trees are a large carbon store as trees live for many years and have resistant structures with wood taking a while to decompose.

Question 8

Precipitation

Answer 8

Co2 from the atmosphere dissolves in rainwater to form weak carbonic acid

Increasing co2 conc from anthropogenic emissions increase the acidity of rainfall leading to more acidic ocean waters