carbon cycle, greenhouse effect and climate change

science exam revision

what is the carbon cycle?

the movement of carbon between atmosphere, living things, oceans, soil and rocks

what is photosynthesis?

the process where plants use carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and oxygen using light energy

what is respiration?

the process where cells break down glucose using oxygen to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water

what is combustion?

the burning of a substance in oxygen, releasing energy and usually producing carbon dioxide and water

how does burning fossil fuels affect the carbon cycle?

it releases carbon dioxide that was stored underground into the atmosphere

how does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

fewer trees remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, and burning or decomposing trees can release stored carbon

what is carbon sequestration?

capturing and storing carbon dioxide so it does not remain in the atmosphere

two examples of carbon sequestration?

planting forests and carbon capture and storage

what is the greenhouse effect?

the process where greenhouse gases trap some of Earth’s heat in the atmosphere

what is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

the increase in heat trapped in the atmosphere due to increased greenhouse gases from human activities

name three greenhouse gases

carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide

what is one major cause of the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide?

burning fossil fuels

what is climate change?

long term changes in earths climate, including changes in temperature and weather patterns

three possible effects of climate change

rising sea levels, melting ice and more extreme weather

how can planting trees help reduce climate change?

trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store carbon