global carbon cycle

What role does photosynthesis play in the global carbon cycle?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into organic matter, thereby helping to reduce atmospheric carbon levels.

What is the significance of soil respiration in the carbon cycle?

Soil respiration is a biological process where organic matter decomposes and releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Define the term 'fossil fuels' in the context of the carbon cycle.

Fossil fuels are carbon-rich natural resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, and when burned, they release CO2 into the atmosphere.

What is the primary effect of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

Deforestation increases atmospheric carbon levels by reducing the number of trees that can absorb CO2, while also releasing carbon stored in forests.

How much carbon is estimated to be in the Earth's crust?

The estimated carbon in the Earth's crust is between 5,000 to 10,000 Pg.

What are the primary pools and fluxes of carbon in the global carbon cycle?

Primary pools include the atmosphere, oceans, soils, and fossil fuels; fluxes refer to processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

What does Pg stand for in the context of the carbon cycle?

Pg stands for Petagrams, which is a unit of measurement equivalent to 10^15 grams of carbon.

What impact do volcanoes have on the global carbon cycle?

Volcanoes release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the role of plants in the carbon cycle?

Plants act as carbon sinks through photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, and also contribute to carbon release through respiration.

Mention one significant source of carbon loss in oceans.

Ocean loss can occur through processes like uptake of carbon dioxide and its conversion into organic forms.

What is the largest store of carbon on Earth?

The Earth's crust.

What chemical reaction is primarily responsible for releasing CO₂ and water?

Combustion.

What process breaks down dead plant matter into the pedosphere?

Decomposition.

What do microorganisms release back into the atmosphere during decay?

CO₂ through respiration.

Where is most carbon stored underground?

In rocks.

What natural process takes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in plants?

Photosynthesis.

What are the main stores of carbon in the carbon cycle?

Earth's crust, oceans, fossil fuels, soils, and atmosphere.

How does ocean temperature affect carbon absorption?

Warm oceans release carbon while cool oceans absorb carbon.

What factors contribute to the loss of carbon from the ocean?

Ocean temperature, specifically warmer conditions.

What happens when fossil fuels are burned?

They release carbon into the atmosphere.

What is the smallest store of carbon?

Plants.

What is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy?

Photosynthesis

What do we call the natural process that involves the breakdown of organic matter?

Decomposition

What is the term for gas exchange that occurs in living organisms, particularly involving oxygen and carbon dioxide?

Respiration

What are the materials like coal, oil, and gas collectively referred to as?

Fossil fuels

What term describes the movement of sediment from one location to another due to forces like water or wind?

Erosion

What is the term for the process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles?

Weathering

What are microscopic plants that form the base of the oceanic food web called?

Phytoplankton

What term refers to a community of organisms that are interdependent on each other for food?

Food web

What is the term for an area where carbon is stored, such as soil or ocean sediments?

Carbon sink

What is the process called that refers to the loss of soil and nutrients due to various natural processes?

Soil degradation