The Importance of Carbon and the Carbon Cycle

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the carbon cycle, its significance, and the role of carbon in the environment.

What is the fourth most abundant element in the universe?

Carbon.

What role does carbon play in all living organisms?

It is used to build amino acids and DNA, making it essential for life.

What form of carbon is primarily found in the Earth's atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide.

What process do plants use to take in carbon dioxide?

Photosynthesis.

What does the carbon cycle involve?

The movement of carbon in various forms between the atmosphere, biosphere, oceans, and lithosphere.

What is the byproduct of respiration in living organisms?

Carbon dioxide.

What happens when fossil fuels are burned?

They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

What is the role of oceans in the carbon cycle?

Oceans store and exchange carbon dioxide with the atmosphere.

How do volcanic eruptions affect the carbon cycle?

They release carbon dioxide that was stored in the Earth back into the atmosphere.

What are VOCs and why are they significant in the carbon cycle?

Volatile Organic Compounds; they are harmful substances that contain carbon and can affect climate.

What happens during photosynthesis?

Plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct.

How is carbon stored in the lithosphere?

Carbon is stored in rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels.

What process leads to the conversion of dead plant material into coal?

Over time, dead plant material gets buried and subjected to heat and pressure.

Why is the carbon cycle considered a closed system?

The carbon on Earth does not leave the planet; it simply shifts between different reservoirs.

What effect does increasing carbon dioxide have on Earth's temperature?

It raises Earth's temperatures by trapping outgoing solar radiation.

What is carbon capture?

The process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it underground.

What is chemical weathering and its connection to the carbon cycle?

It involves the breakdown of rocks, releasing carbon dioxide and bicarbonate into the ocean.

What is the significance of peat in the carbon cycle?

Peat stores carbon that can be released back into the atmosphere if burnt or decomposed.

How do living organisms affect the carbon cycle?

They respire, decomposing, and through respiration, they return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

What plant processes are key in regulating the carbon cycle?

Photosynthesis and respiration.