Physical Impacts on the Carbon Cycle

natural climate change

global climates fluctuated between interglacial (warm) and glacial (cold) periods

higher temperatures associated with high concentration of CO2 in atmosphere

positive feedback loop

increase in CO2 in atmosphere - enhanced global warming

a change in temperature also affects levels due to permafrost melting and releasing methane

impacts of cold conditions

weathering - cold water holds more CO2 but freeze-thaw cycle increases exposing more rock to chemical weathering

respiration and photosynthesis reduced

carbon transfers to soil reduced - reduced effectiveness of decomposers

impacts of warm conditions

increase rate of decomposition increasing rate of carbon transfer to soil

melt permafrost, releasing gases stored in permafrost

further enhancing greenhouse effect

impact of wildfires

transfers carbon from biosphere to atmosphere, causing carbon emissions to spike

turn areas from carbon sinks into carbon sources

encourages plant growth long-term, reducing competition for space

temperature increases increase risk of wildfire

volcanic activity

carbon stored in rocks for millions of years released

reducing photosynthesis rates