Water And Carbon Cycles Meeting

Question 1

Photosynthesis required what two things?

Answer 1

Water and carbon ( H20 + Co2 )

Therefore the carbon and water cycle meet here

Question 2

In transpiration, what substance is released and what gas is also released and exchanged?

Answer 2

Release of water and gas - including co2
Therefore cycles are linked here

Question 3

Outline how in acidic rain, carbons and water cycles are linked?

Answer 3

Atmospheric co2 is dissolved by water, creating weak carbonic acid.

Additionally, weathering (carbonation/ acid rain) releases carbon stored in geological stores.
Surface run off carries dissolved minerals and carbon.

Question 4

Give a negative feedback loop with the carbon and water cycles intertwined

Answer 4

High co2 content

Oceanic atmospheric exchange —> ocean acidification/ higher amounts of dissolved carbon in ocean.

Phytoplankton photosynthesise using dissolved co2

Release of DMS ( which promotes cloud formation by acting as a nuclei for water vapour to form around

Higher cloud cover

Increased albedo

More sunlight reflected

Lower temperatures

(However more cloud cover COULD reduce photosynthesis as less sunlight getting to lights)

Question 5

Give one positive feedback loop relating to albedo decline

Answer 5

Co2 from human activity

Atmospheric content of co2 increases

Increased oceanic temperature

Ablation increases / more ice and glacier melt

Reduced albedo ( less glaciers, ice and snow to reflect light)

Global temp rise

Question 6

Give another positive feedback loop relating to permafrost reduction

Answer 6

Co2 from human activity

Higher atmospheric co2 content

Global temp rise

Melting permafrost

Release CH4 (Methane) + rate of decomposition gin permafrost increases (releasing more co2 and other greenhouse gasses)

Increased greenhouse gasses in atmosphere
Global temp rise