Carbon Cycle and Climate Change

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to the carbon cycle, climate change, and measurements of atmospheric CO2.

Carbon Reservoir

A portion of the Earth’s climate system where carbon is stored.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed by the accumulation of sediments, storing significant amounts of carbon.

Fluxes

Rates of transfer of carbon between different reservoirs, represented by arrows in diagrams.

Residence Times

The average time carbon remains in a given reservoir before it is transferred elsewhere.

Climate Forcing

Any process or disturbance that drives a change in the climate system.

Short-term Cycle

The rapid processes in the carbon cycle including ocean-atmosphere exchanges, photosynthesis, and respiration.

Long-term Cycle

Processes in the carbon cycle occurring over millions of years including plate tectonics and volcanic activity.

Monitoring CO2

The process of measuring carbon dioxide concentrations, often done at specific locations like Mauna Loa.

Keeling Curve

A graph that shows the change in concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere since the late 1950s.

Ocean Acidification

The process by which CO2 dissolves in ocean water, increasing hydrogen ion concentration and lowering pH.

Positive Feedback

A process that amplifies changes in the climate system, such as increasing CO2 leading to more warming.

Negative Feedback

A process that dampens changes in the climate system, such as increased photosynthesis reducing CO2.

Weathering

Chemical reactions between minerals and carbon dioxide that can affect atmospheric CO2 levels.

Subduction

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to the release of carbon from the Earth.

Volcanic Emissions

Release of gases, including CO2, from volcanic eruptions that can influence atmospheric carbon levels.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's plates and its influence on the carbon cycle.

Silicate Weathering

The chemical weathering of silicate minerals that helps regulate CO2 in the atmosphere.

H+ (Hydrogen Ions)

Charged particles that increase acidity in ocean water when CO2 is dissolved.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that is critical to understanding climate change and the carbon cycle.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to convert CO2 into organic matter.

Decomposition

The breakdown of organic material that releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.