The role of Oceanic and Terrestrial Photosynthesis-Lesson 5 Flashcards
What are terrestrial ecosystems?
These are ecosystems on the land such as forests, grasslands and Tundra
Give the equation for photosynthesis
Water+C02 =Sugar+Oxygen
Give the equation for photosynthesis
Sugar+Oxygen=Energy+Water+C02
How does the process of respiration balance photosynthesis?
It produces energy when combining oxygen with the Carbohydrate and releasing Carbon dioxide and water
How does phytoplankton in the ocean sequester C02?
They sequester carbon dioxide through photosynthesis by pumping it out of the atmosphere into the ocean store
What is the biological carbon pump?
This is where phytoplankton sequesters carbon dioxide by pumping it out of the atmosphere and into the ocean store
How much gt of C02 a year does terrestrial photosynthesis allow plants to sequester?
100-120 Gt of Carbon per
What % of solar insulation reaching Earth is captured by Photosynthesis?
about 1%
Which biome has the most global productivity?
Tropical rainforests
What is NPP the measure of? (Net Primary Production)
It is a measure of the rate carbon is stored as biomass in a year minus losses from respiration
-Total amount of C02 fixed by plants in one year
When does highest productivity occur on land?
In areas that are warm and wet
Which biome stores the most amount of Carbon?
Tropical rainforests
What does soil health depend on?
It depends on the amount of organic carbon stored in the soil
How is soil storage amount determined?
By the balance of its inputs and its outputs
What characteristics does Carbon give to soil?
its water retention capacity, its structure and its fertility
Why is soil erosion a major threat to carbon storage and soil health?
This is because organic carbon is concentrated in the surface soil layer as easily eroded small particles
How does Winter’s organic decay affect the amount of C02 in soils?
In the Northern hemisphere, Winter’s organic decay increases the amount of C02 in soils
What will happen to C02 levels if winters become shorter?
It’s possible that less C02 will be released, or climate change will trigger a natural response and that more C02 will be absorbed therefore altering the balance
