Water + Carbon cycles: interdependence

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

• CO2 plays vital role in photosynthesis by terrestrial plants + phytoplankton
• plants (carbon stores) extract water from soil + transpire it as part of wc
• water is evaporated from oceans to atmos. + CO2 is exchanged between the two stores

Question 2

Oceans

Answer 2

• ocean acidity increases when exchanges of CO2 are not in balance

Question 3

vegetation + soil

Answer 3

• water availability influences rates of photosynthesis, NPP, inputs of organic litter to soils + transpiration
• the water-storage capacity of soils increases w organic content
• temperatures + rainfall affect decomposition rates + the release of CO2 into atmos.

Question 4

cryosphere

Answer 4

• CO2 levels in atmos. determine intensity of greenhouse effect + melting of ice sheets, glaciers, sea ice + permafrost
• melting exposes land + sea surfaces which absorb more solar radiation (higher albedo) + raise temperatures further
• permafrost melting exposes organic material to oxidation + decomposition releasing more CO2 + CH4