earth science carbon study guide

1.Notice how CO₂ changes over the course of one year. These regular ups and downs are likely caused by:

photosynthesis and respiration

Next, notice how CO2 changes over the 60-year time period. The long-term, upward trend is likely caused by:

Burning of fossil fuels, aka human activities.

Which statement best describes the relationship between ocean CO₂ and pH?

When CO₂ increases, pH decreases and acidity increases

CO₂ and pH both change in a predictable pattern from year to year. These regular ups and downs are not caused by carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Instead, they are likely caused by:

seasonal changes in both photosynthesis and respiration

When carbon dioxide enters the ocean, it reacts with water and carbonate to form:

bicarbonate

When carbon dioxide enters the ocean, the amount of carbonate available for shell-building animals:

decreases

What is the carbon cycle?

the continuous movement of carbon atoms throughout the Earth's systems, where carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, living organisms, oceans, and soil, primarily through processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and the burning of fossil fuels

What is the correct order for the carbon cycle, starting from “Carbon enters the atmosphere via carbon dioxide.”

1. Carbon enters the atmosphere via carbon dioxide.

2. Carbon dioxide is absorbed and used as energy.

3. Carbon compounds enter the food chain.

4. Carbon reenters the atmosphere via decomposition.

5. The carbon cycle repeats.

Look at the image.

I’ve looked at the image.

What is carbon capture?

capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) at emission sources, transporting and then storing or burying it in a suitable deep, underground location. It can also mean the removal of CO2 directly or indirectly from the atmosphere.

What is geological carbon sequestration?

a method of securing carbon dioxide (CO2) in deep geologic formations to prevent its release to the atmosphere and contribution to global warming as a greenhouse gas.

What is oceanic carbon sequestration?

the process where the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the deep sea, essentially acting as a natural "carbon sink" by capturing and holding carbon

Technological challenges?

high energy consumption needed to capture CO2

The cost of implementing the technology

the need for large-scale infrastructure for storage

Potential leakage from storage sites

Concerns about the long-term safety and effectiveness of storage

The development of efficient capture methods for low-concentration CO2 sources

Regulatory challenges?

inconsistent frameworks across jurisdictions

lengthy permitting processes

unclear guidelines for CO2 transportation

lack of standardized storage regulations

potential issues with cross-state pipeline permitting

concerns around liability and long-term monitoring of storage sites

Financial challenges?

Without substantial efficiency improvements, the cost per tonne of CO2 captured is likely to exceed the revenue that the project can generate for each tonne captured

Using carbon scrubbers or towers that capture CO2 from the atmosphere

Direct capture

Storing carbon in subterranean (underground) rocks.

CO2 sinks

CO2 is captures from a gas mixture produced by partial oxidation of natural gas or biomass.

Pre combustion

Separation of CO2 from emission point sources or the atmosphere.

Carbon capture

Long-term liability for underground sites where carbon dioxide will be stored.

Regulatory challenges