PHYC 2800 Climate Change: The Carbon Cycle

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the carbon cycle, anthropogenic effects on climate change, and related processes.

Carbon Cycle

The process by which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans.

Anthropogenic

Caused or influenced by humans, particularly in relation to environmental change.

Carbon Flux

The flow of carbon through different carbon reservoirs such as the atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial ecosystems.

CO₂ Budget

The balance of carbon dioxide emissions and removals, determining the net amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels

Natural substances formed from decomposed organic matter, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, that release carbon dioxide when burned.

Land-Use Change

The process by which natural land is converted for human use, influencing carbon emissions and storage.

LULUCF

Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry; refers to the greenhouse gas emissions and removals associated with these activities.

Carbon Sink

A natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases.

Net Atmospheric Accumulation

The overall increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere after accounting for emissions and removals.

Civilizational Crisis

A significant event or series of events causing society to reduce emissions in a rapid manner.