Carbon Cycle Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the carbon cycle, including carbon forms in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and their transformation processes.

What gases are found in the atmosphere as carbon?

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) from animal respiration and burning fossil fuels; Methane (CH₄) from cow digestion and decomposition.

How is carbon present in the hydrosphere?

As dissolved CO₂ in bodies of water.

What does the ocean carbon cycle involve?

The transfer of CO₂ between the atmosphere and water, including processes like photosynthesis and microbial respiration.

How much more CO₂ does the ocean hold compared to the atmosphere?

The ocean holds 50 times more CO₂ than the atmosphere.

What are ocean sediments?

Tiny particles of rock, dead plants, and animals that settle to the bottom of the ocean and contribute to carbon storage.

How does limestone form through carbon storage?

Over millions of years, ocean sediments build up and become limestone, trapping carbon.

Where can carbon be found in the geosphere?

Inside fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.

What is significant about the hydrogen-carbon ratios of fuels?

Different fossil fuels have varying hydrogen-carbon ratios, influencing their energy content.