Carbon Cycle and Energy Insecurity

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts, processes, and terminology related to the Carbon Cycle and Energy Insecurity.

Carbon Cycle

The process through which carbon is exchanged between the Earth's various carbon stores, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, and pedosphere.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce sugars and oxygen using sunlight.

Decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter, which releases carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing carbon, thus reducing its concentration in the atmosphere.

Thermohaline circulation

A global system of surface and deep ocean currents driven by differences in temperature and salinity, responsible for distributing carbon around the planet.

NPP (Net Primary Productivity)

The amount of organic matter available for consumption by humans and animals, significant for understanding energy security and biological productivity.

Enhanced greenhouse effect

The increase in Earth's temperature due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which traps more long-wave radiation.

Biological carbon pump

A process involving phytoplankton that captures atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis and transfers carbon through the food chain.

Chemical weathering

The process through which rocks are broken down by chemical reactions, releasing carbon in the form of carbon dioxide.

Carbon flux

The flow of carbon between different parts of the carbon cycle, which can vary diurnally and seasonally.

Fossil fuel combustion

The burning of fossil fuels that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, affecting the carbon cycle and climate.

Ocean acidification

The decrease in pH of ocean waters caused by increased absorption of carbon dioxide, leading to harmful effects on marine life.

Energy security

The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at affordable prices.

Biofuels

Energy sources derived from living matter, used for heating, cooking, or generating electricity.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

A technology for capturing carbon dioxide emissions and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

Urbanization

The process by which urban areas expand, impacting carbon emissions and water cycles.

Afforestation

Planting trees in non-forested areas to increase carbon dioxide sequestration.

Volcanic outgassing

The release of gases, including carbon dioxide, from the earth's interior during volcanic eruptions.

Biodiversity

The variety of life found in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which can be affected by changes in the carbon and water cycles.