Water, carbon, climate and life on Earth

Question 1

Explain the role of carbon in supporting life

Answer 1

• Present in glucose which is essential for cellular respiration
• Passed through the food chain; passing the energy needed for breathing, respiration and reproduction
• Absorbs radiation creating sufficient atmospheric warmth

Question 2

Explain the role of water in supporting life

Answer 2

• Necessary for drinking and irrigation

- Useful power source

Question 3

How are the water and carbon cycles connected

Answer 3

Water absorbs and transfers carbon

e.g. absorption of carbon in rainwater

Question 4

Explain the water cycle feedback loop

Answer 4

Ice reflects radiation from the sun so less heat is absorbed
Shrinking of ice means less reflection which warms the water, further melting the ice
Effects the magnitude of water transfers and trade routes in the artic

Question 5

Explain the carbon cycle feedback loop

Answer 5

• Higher temperatures have increased the growing season, increasing carbon absorption
• Higher temperatures melt permafrost, releasing carbon stored in the ice

Question 6

How have humans tried to mitigate the impacts of climate change?

Answer 6

• Creating planation forests to absorb large levels of carbon dioxide
• Carbon offset payments; paying for forests to be protected, developing renewable energy and planting trees
• Carbon farming; one type of crop is replaced with another with a higher productivity level